Checkpoints - (Advanced SSIS Features)

Syntax

There is no specific syntax for checkpoints in SSIS, as they are implemented through a specific type of event handler within the package.

Example

Imagine you have an SSIS package that loads data from a number of CSV files into a SQL Server database. You have 10 CSV files to load, but after 5 files have been loaded, the package crashes due to an external issue. Without checkpoints, the package would start from the beginning again when restarted. With checkpoints, the package can pick up where it left off, allowing you to resume the loading process from the sixth CSV file.

Explanation

Checkpointing is a feature in SSIS that allows a package to restart from the point of failure, rather than from the beginning. When you enable checkpoints in a package, SSIS will periodically write the current state of the package to a specified location. If the package crashes or is otherwise interrupted, when restarted, SSIS will check for the presence of a checkpoint file. If one is present, it will load this file and use it to resume the package from the point of failure.

Use

Checkpointing is particularly useful when you have a large SSIS package that takes a long time to run, or when you have a package that must run continually, such as a data warehouse refresh. Checkpointing allows you to save time and resources by only running the tasks that have not been completed when the package was interrupted.

Important Points

• Checkpointing requires persistence, meaning that the package state must be saved to disk or database.
• Checkpoints should be set up by creating a checkpoint file, specifying where the checkpoint file should be saved and setting the checkpoint file name.
• Checkpoint files may be deleted after the package successfully exits.

Summary

Checkpointing is a powerful feature of SSIS that allows packages to resume from the point of failure, rather than from the beginning. This can greatly increase the efficiency of your package by saving time and resources. It is simple to implement and can make a big difference in your SSIS processes.