SQL Server Developer Guide

Comprehensive documentation for SQL Server developers

Installation Guide for SQL Server

Important: This guide covers typical installation scenarios. Always refer to the official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date and specific instructions for your version of SQL Server.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the installation, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

  • Supported operating system (Windows Server, Windows client versions).
  • Sufficient disk space for the database engine, system databases, and user databases.
  • Appropriate hardware resources (CPU, RAM).
  • .NET Framework (specific version depends on SQL Server version).
  • Administrator privileges on the installation machine.

For detailed hardware and software requirements, please consult the official SQL Server release notes.

Choosing an Edition

SQL Server offers several editions, each with different features and licensing models:

  • Enterprise Edition: Full-featured, for mission-critical applications.
  • Standard Edition: For non-critical applications requiring basic database capabilities.
  • Developer Edition: Full feature set, licensed for development and testing only.
  • Express Edition: Free, entry-level database for learning and small applications.

For development purposes, the Developer Edition is highly recommended as it includes all the features of Enterprise Edition without the cost.

Installation Steps (Developer Edition Example)

The installation process is typically straightforward using the SQL Server Installation Center.

1. Download the Installer

Download the SQL Server Developer Edition from the official Microsoft website. You will usually get an ISO file or a small setup executable.

2. Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded setup file or mount the ISO and run setup.exe. The SQL Server Installation Center will launch.

3. Select Installation Type

Choose "New SQL Server stand-alone installation".

4. Product Key and License Terms

Enter the product key if prompted (Developer Edition is typically free). Accept the license terms.

5. Feature Selection

Select the components you wish to install. For a basic development setup, you will likely want:

  • Database Engine Services
  • SQL Server Replication (optional)
  • Client Tools Connectivity
  • SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for Visual Studio (highly recommended for development)

You can choose a default instance name (e.g., MSSQLSERVER) or a named instance (e.g., SQLEXPRESS).

6. Instance Configuration

Configure the instance name and the default collation settings. For most development, the default collation is sufficient.

7. Server Configuration

Configure the service accounts for the SQL Server Agent and the Database Engine. Using virtual accounts or dedicated service accounts is recommended for production, but local system accounts are often acceptable for development environments.

8. Database Engine Configuration

This is a critical step:

  • Authentication Mode: Choose between Windows Authentication mode (recommended for development) or Mixed Mode (SQL Server authentication and Windows Authentication). If you choose Mixed Mode, you must set a strong password for the sa (system administrator) login.
  • Specify SQL Server Administrators: Add your Windows user account to the list of administrators. This is essential for connecting to the instance.

9. Installation Progress

The installer will now proceed to install the selected components. This may take several minutes.

10. Installation Complete

Once finished, you should see a success message. The installation wizard will provide a summary of the installed components and their status.

Tip: After installation, it's a good practice to restart your computer.

Post-Installation Steps

  • Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): SSMS is the primary tool for managing and developing with SQL Server. It is installed separately. Download the latest version from the Microsoft website.
  • Configure Firewall: Ensure that your firewall allows connections to SQL Server on the appropriate port (default is TCP 1433).
  • Verify Connection: Open SSMS and connect to your newly installed SQL Server instance using the administrator credentials you configured.

Installation Scenarios

  • Local Installation: Installing SQL Server on your development machine.
  • Virtual Machine Installation: Installing SQL Server within a VM for isolated testing.
  • Docker Container: Running SQL Server in a Docker container for rapid deployment and testing. See our guide on Docker for SQL Server.

Caution: For production environments, always follow the security best practices outlined by Microsoft, including using strong passwords, applying service packs and cumulative updates, and restricting user permissions.