SQL Server Triggers — AFTER Timing What is the SQL Server trigger type that executes only after the referenced INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE has successfully completed?

Introduction:
AFTER triggers are commonly used for auditing, denormalized updates, and enforcing post-conditions once a DML operation has succeeded. Differentiating them from INSTEAD OF triggers is vital for correct design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SQL Server supports AFTER and INSTEAD OF DML triggers.
• BEFORE timing is not available in SQL Server.

Concept / Approach:
An AFTER trigger runs after the base DML completes. The inserted and deleted pseudo-tables contain the final row versions, enabling audit and business rule checks that rely on successful persistence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Determine whether the trigger runs before, after, or instead of DML.2) AFTER matches the requirement ”after the SQL command has been processed”.3) Select AFTER trigger.

Verification / Alternative check:
Create an AFTER UPDATE trigger and verify it fires only when the update succeeds and is not rolled back in compilation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• INSTEAD OF: Replaces the base DML, does not run after it.
• BEFORE: Not supported.
• BEGIN / QUEUE trigger: Not valid SQL Server trigger types.

Common Pitfalls:
Expecting a BEFORE trigger timing like Oracle or PostgreSQL; SQL Server provides INSTEAD OF for pre-logic.

Final Answer:
AFTER trigger.