Add support for identity columns in Fabric warehouses.

[dpurdy]

Identity columns are a common method for generating surrogate keys in data warehousing scenarios implemented on SQL Server. By adding support for identity columns in Fabric, users could migrate their warehouse workloads from SQL Server to Fabric, without having to make drastic changes to their data model or data load procedures. This would help to streamline the migration process, making Fabric a more attractive option for those looking to move their data warehouse to the new platform.

[anbergst]

Would be great to not only have IDENTITY() capability but also global sequencing like we have in TSQL IE:

CREATE SEQUENCE (Transact-SQL) - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn

This would be super useful especially when you are tracking transactional data from multiple systems where

1: Same data is generated by disjointed transactional systems and

2: Entry vector order matters

3: multiple transaction tables are consolidated and the Surrogate key needs to be distinct and traceable

[esatterfield]

Any update on this? I've not seen this listed on any of the release plans for Fabric.

[David_Walker]

This is extremely important in any database technology.

[fbcideas_migusr]

The published workaround is NOT OPTIMAL. For example, it will break if run concurrently by more than one job (there will be duplicate values for the "unique" column). I hope Microsoft is not delaying the implementation of this feature because they think there is a good workaround -- this workaround is not good. The identity feature needs to be built into the column definition, as it is with on-prem SQL Server.

[vikranth1]

This is on of a key blocker to fully adopting Fabric Warehouse. It would be great if it becomes available for public preview soon. Is there any chance we can expect it within 2024?

[Alfons_Gonzalez]

Definitely, this is a stopper to any attempt to move On premise SQL-Server based developments to Fabric. thx!

[jan_philipp_tat]

Delta lake 3.3 was released a couple of days ago and supports identity columns

[periclesrocha]

Thanks for your feedback! 

UPDATE: while we're working to deliver this, if you currently need an alternative to IDENTITY columns you can use this workaround documented by our team: Generate unique identifiers in a warehouse table in Microsoft Fabric - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft ...
UPDATE 2: This feature is currently in development, and we’re working hard to bring it to market as soon as possible. Stay tuned.

[periclesrocha]

I'm happy to report that IDENTITY columns are now available in Preview!

• Read the announcement here: IDENTITY Columns in Fabric Data Warehouse (Preview) | Microsoft Fabric Blog | Microsoft Fabric
• Try our tutorial today: How To: IDENTITY Columns in Fabric Data Warehouse - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn 

We will continue working to improve this feature as we prepare for GA. Please let us know your feedback!