Create SQL Server 2012 database compatible for 2008

Question

Is there a way to create a database with SQL Server 2012 and to be able to pass it to SQL Server 2008?

Answer 1

As in backup your 2012 database and restore it to 2008?

NO, YOU CANNOT DO THAT

There's no way, no method, no trick, no hack, no workaround - it just CANNOT be done.

You need to use .sql scripts for structure and data to move from any newer SQL Server version an older version. SQL Server backup files (*.bak) and actual database files (*.mdf, *.ndf) have never been backwards compatible.

And to debunk a myth: setting the compatibility level only limits the available features (like datatypes etc.) - but it DOES NOT make the *.bak backup or *.mdf data files compatible with an older version.