What is a Filestream?

What is Filestream used for?

FILESTREAM enables SQL Server-based applications to store unstructured data, such as documents and images, on the file system.

What is the difference between Filestream and FileTable?

The FileStream feature stores unstructured data in the file system and keeps a pointer of the data in the database whereas FileTable extends this feature even further to allow non-transactional access (the ability to access files without prior authorization from the Database Engine from the shared location).

How do I enable Filestream?

To enable and change FILESTREAM settings Right-click the instance, and then click Properties. In the SQL Server Properties dialog box, click the FILESTREAM tab. Select the Enable FILESTREAM for Transact-SQL access check box.

What is a FileTable in SQL Server?

A FileTable is a specialized user table with a pre-defined schema that stores FILESTREAM data, as well as file and directory hierarchy information and file attributes. A FileTable provides the following functionality: A FileTable represents a hierarchy of directories and files.