Azure SQL Database Documentation
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed cloud database service that handles most database management functions without an administrator intervention. This documentation provides comprehensive information, guides, and best practices for using Azure SQL Database.
Getting Started
Begin your journey with Azure SQL Database by following these quick start guides and tutorials.
Create your first database
Learn how to provision a new Azure SQL Database instance using the Azure portal.
Learn More →Connect to your database
Discover various methods to connect to your Azure SQL Database from different applications.
Learn More →Core Concepts
Explore the fundamental building blocks of Azure SQL Database:
- Service Tiers: Understand the different performance and cost options available (e.g., General Purpose, Business Critical, Hyperscale).
- DTUs vs. vCores: Learn about the two primary purchasing models.
- Firewall Rules: Configure network access to your database.
Key Features
Azure SQL Database offers a rich set of features to support modern application development.
High Availability
Built-in redundancy and automatic failover ensure your database is always available.
Scalability
Easily scale your database resources up or down to meet demand.
Intelligent Performance
Leverage AI-powered features for automatic performance tuning and query optimization.
Built-in Security
Robust security features including encryption, threat detection, and access control.
Hybrid Capabilities
Seamless integration with on-premises SQL Server using Azure Arc.
Architecture
Understand the underlying architecture of Azure SQL Database, including its global distribution and regional availability.
Azure SQL Database is built on the SQL Server engine, providing compatibility and familiar tools. It employs a distributed architecture with multiple availability zones for high resilience. Learn more about:
Performance Tuning
Optimize your database performance for critical workloads.
Performance Monitoring
Utilize tools like Query Store, Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and Azure Monitor to identify performance bottlenecks.
Query Optimization
Learn techniques for writing efficient SQL queries and using indexing strategies.
Scaling Strategies
Understand when and how to scale your database tier or compute resources.
Security Best Practices
Protect your data with comprehensive security measures.
Authentication and Authorization
Implement secure access control using Azure Active Directory and SQL authentication.
Encryption
Ensure data protection at rest and in transit with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and SSL/TLS.
Threat Detection
Configure Advanced Threat Protection to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
Network Security
Utilize virtual networks, private endpoints, and firewall rules to secure your database perimeter.
Pricing & Options
Explore the various pricing models and deployment options to find the best fit for your needs.
Azure SQL Database offers flexible pricing based on your chosen service tier and compute model (DTU or vCore). Consider:
- Database Transaction Unit (DTU) model
- Virtual Core (vCore) model
- Serverless compute
- Reserved capacity discounts
Use the Azure pricing calculator for detailed cost estimations.
Tutorials
Dive into hands-on tutorials to master various aspects of Azure SQL Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Azure SQL Database?
Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based relational database service that is part of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. It's a Platform as a Service (PaaS) that supports workloads like mission-critical applications, data warehousing, and app backends.
How does it differ from SQL Server on Azure VMs?
Azure SQL Database is a managed service where Microsoft handles patching, backups, and high availability. SQL Server on Azure VMs is an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering, giving you more control but requiring more management overhead.
What are the main service tiers?
The main service tiers are General Purpose, Business Critical, and Hyperscale, each offering different performance, availability, and feature sets.