SQL Server - Backward Compatibility & Builds

Backward Compatibility Related Links

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/migration-guide/version-compatibility

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/153022/download-sql-server-2005-backward-compatibility-fi.html

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/replication/replication-backward-compatibility?view=sql-server-ver16

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/statements/alter-database-transact-sql-compatibility-level?view=sql-server-ver16

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/updates/ssdt-support-for-1500-compatibility-level/

Build Versions

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4518398-sql-server-2019-build-versions-782ed548-1cd8-b5c3-a566-8b4f9e20293a

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4047329-sql-server-2017-build-versions-346e8fcd-c07c-5eeb-e10b-e3411ba8d8dd

Additionally,

Recent versions of SQL Server allows you to directly upgrade from SQL Server 2008 / R2 and keep the database compatibility to the earlier version

Best Regards

Amit Vaid