Toreador (5/15/2014)
Whatever the truth about the trace flags, I disagree with the answer.In my opinion, the best way to test the behaviour of a particular database version is on a database that is actually set to that version. Relying on compatibility levels, flags, etc, is relying on there being no bugs in how the emulation has been coded. The only way to be certain of your results (and hence the best way of doing it) is to create a copy of your database that is set to the appropriate version and compatibility level.
^
!
!
This.
The explanation for this states that using the trace flags can be used for this and presumably it is EASIER to do so but I cannot agree that that necessarily makes it the BEST way.
If you define BEST as most likely to ensure you get the correct answer then the only way you can absolutely guarantee that is to carry out your test in that specific environment. With anything else you are relying on the emulation being correct.