Get Started with Azure SQL Database

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Introduction

Welcome to Azure SQL Database, a fully managed Platform as a Service (PaaS) database engine that handles most database management functions such as upgrading, patching, backups, and high availability without user involvement.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started with Azure SQL Database, from setting up your environment to making your first connection.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • An active Azure subscription. If you don't have one, you can create a free account.
  • Basic understanding of relational database concepts.
  • (Optional) An Azure account with administrator privileges.

Create Your First Azure SQL Database

You can create an Azure SQL Database using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, PowerShell, or ARM templates.

Using the Azure Portal

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal.
  2. In the Azure portal, search for and select "SQL databases".
  3. Click "Create".
  4. On the "Basics" tab, configure the following:
    • Subscription: Select your subscription.
    • Resource group: Create a new one or select an existing one.
    • Database name: Enter a unique name for your database (e.g., MyFirstSQLDB).
    • Server: Create a new server or select an existing one. For a new server, specify a server name, administrator login, and password.
    • Workload environment: Choose "Production" or "Development".
    • Compute + storage: Select your desired service tier and compute size. For testing, the Basic or Standard tiers are often sufficient.
  5. Click "Review + create" and then "Create" to deploy your database.

Tip:

For quick testing, consider using the "Development" workload environment, which offers cost-effective configurations.

Connect to Your Azure SQL Database

Once your database is deployed, you'll need to connect to it. You can use tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Azure Data Studio, or the command line.

Firewall Configuration

By default, Azure SQL Database has a firewall that prevents external access. You need to configure firewall rules to allow your IP address or specific ranges to connect.

  1. Navigate to your Azure SQL Server resource in the Azure portal.
  2. Under "Security", select "Firewalls and virtual networks".
  3. Click "Add client IP" to allow your current public IP address. You can also specify custom IP address ranges.
  4. Click "Save".

Connecting with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

  1. Open SSMS.
  2. In the "Connect to Server" dialog box:
    • Server name: Enter the fully qualified server name (e.g., your-server-name.database.windows.net). You can find this on your SQL server's overview page in the Azure portal.
    • Authentication: Select "SQL Server Authentication".
    • Login: Enter the administrator login you created for the server.
    • Password: Enter the password for the administrator login.
  3. Click "Connect".

Example Connection String (C#):

Server=tcp:your-server-name.database.windows.net,1433;Initial Catalog=MyFirstSQLDB;Persist Security Info=False;User ID=your_admin_login;Password=your_admin_password;MultipleActiveResultSets=False;Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=False;Connection Timeout=30;

Replace placeholders with your actual server name, database name, login, and password.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You've successfully created and connected to your Azure SQL Database.

Here are some recommended next steps:

Explore More Azure SQL Database Documentation Visit Azure SQL Database Docs