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Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database is a fully managed, intelligent relational database service built on the latest stable version of Microsoft SQL Server. It offers built-in high availability, disaster recovery, and automatic scaling. It's designed for cloud applications and provides a familiar SQL Server experience with enhanced cloud capabilities.

Key Benefits: Intelligent processing, automated maintenance, built-in security, and elastic scalability.

Leverage the power of a relational database without the operational overhead of managing infrastructure. Azure SQL Database simplifies database management, allowing you to focus on your applications.

Key Features

  • Intelligent Performance: Built-in performance monitoring and tuning with automatic recommendations.
  • Always On Availability: High availability and disaster recovery options ensure your data is always accessible.
  • Automated Patching & Updates: Microsoft handles all database patching and updates seamlessly.
  • Security: Advanced threat protection, transparent data encryption, and role-based access control.
  • Scalability: Scale compute and storage resources up or down on demand.
  • Hybrid Support: Seamlessly migrate and manage databases between on-premises and Azure.
  • Serverless Compute: Automatically scales compute based on workload demand and pauses during inactivity.

Architecture

Azure SQL Database is built on the SQL Server engine, offering compatibility and familiar tools. It provides various deployment options, including single databases, elastic pools, and managed instances, to suit different application needs and scaling requirements.

Getting Started

  1. Create a SQL Database: Use the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or PowerShell to provision a new database instance.
  2. Configure Firewall Rules: Secure your database by setting up firewall rules to allow access from specific IP addresses or ranges.
  3. Connect to Your Database: Use tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio to connect.
  4. Deploy Your Application: Connect your application to the Azure SQL Database and start managing your data.

For a quick start, try creating a database with sample data using the Azure portal.

Tutorials

SDKs & Tools

Azure SQL Database supports a wide range of tools and SDKs for development and management:

  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Azure Data Studio
  • Azure CLI
  • Azure PowerShell
  • .NET, Java, Python, Node.js SDKs

Example connection string for .NET:

Server=tcp:your_server_name.database.windows.net,1433;Initial Catalog=your_database_name;Persist Security Info=False;User ID={your_username};Password={your_password};MultipleActiveResultSets=False;Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=False;Connection Timeout=30;