In this post, I will explain what is SQL
Server Agent (SQL Agent).
SQL Server Agent (SQL Agent) is a component
of Microsoft SQL Server which schedules jobs and handles other automated tasks.
SQL Agent is an integral part of Microsoft’s SQL Server. It runs as a Windows
service so can start automatically when the system boots or it can be started
manually. It is a background tool for SQL Server.
SQL Agent allows DBA to perform a wide variety
of automated task. These tasks include scheduling maintenance plans, handling
Reporting Services subscriptions. User tasks, such as scheduling some T-SQL or
command line statement are also possible.
SQL Agent tasks do not necessarily have to
be related to SQL Server. For example, a daily backup job may be created to use
a database backup to call an external program like WinZip to compress the
backup file result, and then relocate the file by invoking the MOVE command.
SQL Agent job is a series of steps that can
be defined using a graphical user interface (GUI) wizard which. After setting up
a job, a DBA can schedule an execution of the job. DBA can schedule a job for
one-time, daily, weekly or monthly. SQL Agent has support for operators and
alerts, so database administrators can be notified by email.