SQL Server Change Data Capture (CDC) Basics
Change Data Capture (CDC) was first introduced in SQL Server 2008, and is a tool that is used to keep track of data changes (DML statements) in tables. CDC must be enabled on the database level, then on the table level, and lastly on the column level (optional).
When CDC is enabled on a table, a new similar table is created, but under the cdc schema. In the new table all changes to to base table are recorded.
Traditionally, triggers have been created to track changes in tables. But CDC is a more light weight technology since the transaction log is read asynchronously for changes. Triggers are part of the original transaction.
CDC is only supported in the Enterprise or Developer editions of SQL Server.
Read on to see a demonstration of CDC basics.