Is rowversion not a valid data type in SQL Server 2008 R2?

Question

Is rowversion not a valid data type in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2?

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Bonus Chatter

i'm trying to add a rowversion column to a table:

But when i try to leave the "Data Type" column, SQL Server Management Studio complains

Invalid data type.

and insists that i pick a different data type:

How do i make a column rowversion when rowversion is not a valid data type?

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Bonus Viewing

Bonus Reading

rowversion (Transact-SQL)

timestamp is the synonym for the rowversion data type and is subject to the behavior of data type synonyms. In DDL statements, use rowversion instead of timestamp wherever possible. For more information, see Data Type Synonyms (Transact-SQL).

The timestamp syntax is deprecated. This feature will be removed in a future version of Microsoft SQL Server. Avoid using this feature in new development work, and plan to modify applications that currently use this feature.

Additional Bonus Chatter

Wyckoff

I'm having this same issue in SSMS 2012. I do not see rowversion data type in the designer. – Cabinet

Answer 1

SQL Server 2008 R2 accepts ROWVERSION as datatype for columns in CREATE TABLE statements, however the SSMS seems to lag behind and the designer refuses to accept the input.

Overlying

You think you are wise, Mithrandir. Yet for all your subtleties, you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of Microsoft are blind? Also /facepalm at Microsoft (connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/352733/…) – Wyckoff

I know this is old but if anyone else comes here looking for an answer, however, I just wanted to leave a comment about what happens if you now go into the table via design view after creating it via TSQL statements.... The IDE will auto convert the column back to timestamp data type. No warnings no errors, just an auto convert. – Halinahalite

Answer 2

If it's any help, the Visual Studio 2012 SQL Server Object Explorer designer does have the rowversion option (even though the VS 2012 Server Explorer Data Connections designer doesn't either).

Autorotation

Answer 3

"The timestamp syntax is deprecated. This feature will be removed in a future version of Microsoft SQL Server. " so i think timestamp =rowversion .so you dont need rowversion.

Optometry

Answer 4

In 2024, the SMSS v19 table designer STILL does not accept rowversion but wants timestamp instead. So, I guess MS plans to deprecate the timestamp syntax went on hold at some point.

Cellini