SA0205 : The backward compatibility views for SQL Server 2000 system tables are deprecated. Use the current SQL Server system views instead

Using outdated compatibility views from SQL Server 2000 system tables poses a risk of future compatibility issues, as these views will be deprecated in upcoming SQL Server releases.

Description

Using backward compatibility views from SQL Server 2000 system tables can lead to problems as these views are scheduled for removal in future SQL Server versions. Such views offer access to metadata in a format suited for SQL Server 2000, but newer versions demand modern alternatives.

For example:

SQL
Copy
1-- Example of deprecated view usage
2SELECT * FROM sys.sysobjects;

This query relies on the backward compatibility view sys.sysobjects, which is based on SQL Server 2000 system tables. Modern SQL Server versions prioritize using updated dynamic management views (DMVs) and catalog views for better performance, security, and compliance with current features.

  • Using outdated views can cause scripts to break in future migrations to newer SQL Server versions.

  • Reliance on deprecated features can inhibit leveraging new SQL Server capabilities, affecting performance and maintainability.

How to fix

Replace outdated compatibility views from SQL Server 2000 system tables with modern SQL Server system views to ensure future compatibility and enhanced performance.

Follow these steps to address the issue:

  1. Identify queries using deprecated views like sys.sysobjects. Modify these queries to use current system views or dynamic management views (DMVs).

  2. Consult the SQL Server System Catalog Views documentation to find equivalent views in modern SQL versions that offer similar functionality.

  3. Update your queries by replacing deprecated views with their modern counterparts. For instance, replace sys.sysobjects with sys.objects.

For example:

SQL
Copy
1-- Old usage with a deprecated view
2SELECT * FROM sys.sysobjects;
3
4-- Updated usage with a modern view
5SELECT * FROM sys.objects;

Scope

The rule has a Batch scope and is applied only on the SQL script.

Parameters

Rule has no parameters.

Remarks

The rule does not need Analysis Context or SQL Connection.

Effort To Fix
20 minutes per issue.
Categories

Deprecated Features, Bugs

Additional Information
Example Test SQL
SQL
Copy
1select * from sysservers
2
3select * from sys.sysservers
4select * from someTable
Analysis Results
  Message Line Column
1 SA0205 : The backward compatibility views for SQL Server 2000 system tables are deprecated. Use the current SQL Server system views instead. 1 14
2 SA0205 : The backward compatibility views for SQL Server 2000 system tables are deprecated. Use the current SQL Server system views instead. 3 18
See Also

Other Resources

Analysis Rules