In SQL Server's trigger architecture, which trigger types are supported by the engine and available for tables and views as appropriate?

Introduction / Context:
Triggers in SQL Server fire in response to data modification events. Knowing which trigger types are supported helps in enforcing complex constraints and audit logic.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Platform: SQL Server.
• Events: INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
• Objects: tables and, for INSTEAD OF, also views.

Concept / Approach:

SQL Server supports AFTER triggers (fire after the DML statement succeeds) and INSTEAD OF triggers (replace the DML operation; useful on views). It does not support BEFORE triggers like some other RDBMS engines.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Attempt to create a BEFORE trigger yields an error; documentation shows only AFTER and INSTEAD OF.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

INSTEAD OF only / AFTER only: incomplete. BEFORE only: unsupported.

Common Pitfalls:

Porting code from engines that support BEFORE triggers without redesign. Overusing triggers where constraints or procedures would be clearer.

Final Answer:

INSTEAD OF and AFTER only