Exporting Azure SQL Database: A Comprehensive Guide

This tutorial provides a detailed walkthrough of how to export your Azure SQL Database. Exporting is a crucial operation for backups, migrations, and creating copies of your database.

Overview

Azure SQL Database offers robust capabilities for exporting your database schema and data. This process typically generates a BACPAC file, which is a portable archive of your database. We will cover various methods to achieve this, including the Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, and the Azure Portal.

Prerequisites

An active Azure subscription.
An existing Azure SQL Database that you wish to export.
Permissions to access and manage the Azure SQL Database and its associated resources (e.g., storage account for the BACPAC file).
For CLI/PowerShell methods: Azure CLI or Azure PowerShell installed and configured.

Export Methods

You can export your Azure SQL Database using several methods. Each method has its advantages depending on your workflow and scripting preferences.

Using the Azure CLI

The Azure CLI is a powerful command-line tool for managing Azure resources. Here's how to export your database:

Step 1: Install and Log In to Azure CLI

If you haven't already, install the Azure CLI and log in to your account:

az login

Step 2: Export the Database

Use the az sql db export command. You'll need to provide the resource group name, server name, database name, the storage account name, and the container name where the BACPAC file will be stored. You also need to specify the name for the BACPAC file itself.

                
                    az sql db export --resource-group <your-resource-group> \
                                     --server <your-server-name> \
                                     --database <your-database-name> \
                                     --storage-uri <your-storage-account-blob-uri>/<your-container-name>/<your-bacpac-file-name.bacpac> \
                                     --storage-key <your-storage-account-access-key> \
                                     --admin-user <your-sql-admin-username> \
                                     --admin-password <your-sql-admin-password>
                
            

Note: Storing storage access keys directly in scripts is not recommended for production environments. Consider using Managed Identities or Azure Key Vault for secure credential management. The --storage-key is required for exporting to Blob Storage. The --storage-uri should be the full path to where you want to save the .bacpac file in your storage account.

Using Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell provides cmdlets for managing Azure resources. Here's how to export:

Step 1: Install and Connect to Azure PowerShell

Ensure you have Azure PowerShell installed and connect to your account:

Connect-AzAccount

Step 2: Export the Database

Use the New-AzSqlDatabaseExport cmdlet. Similar to the CLI, you'll need server, database, storage account, and credentials.

                
                    $serverName = "<your-server-name>"
                    $databaseName = "<your-database-name>"
                    $resourceGroupName = "<your-resource-group>"
                    $storageAccountName = "<your-storage-account-name>"
                    $storageKey = "<your-storage-account-access-key>"
                    $containerName = "<your-container-name>"
                    $bacpacFileName = "<your-bacpac-file-name.bacpac>"
                    $sqlAdminUser = "<your-sql-admin-username>"
                    $sqlAdminPassword = "<your-sql-admin-password>"

                    $storageUri = "https://{0}.blob.core.windows.net/{1}/{2}" -f $storageAccountName, $containerName, $bacpacFileName

                    New-AzSqlDatabaseExport -ResourceGroupName $resourceGroupName `
                                            -ServerName $serverName `
                                            -DatabaseName $databaseName `
                                            -StorageUri $storageUri `
                                            -StorageKey $storageKey `
                                            -AdministratorLogin $sqlAdminUser `
                                            -AdministratorLoginPassword $sqlAdminPassword
                
            

Note: Securely handle passwords. Consider using Get-Credential for interactive password input or Azure Key Vault for production scenarios.

Using the Azure Portal

The Azure Portal offers a user-friendly graphical interface for managing your resources.

Navigate to your Azure SQL Database in the Azure Portal.
In the database overview page, under the Data management section, click on Export data.
In the Export data pane:
- Export type: Select BACPAC.
- Storage account: Choose an existing storage account or create a new one.
- Container: Select a container within the storage account.
- File name: Provide a name for your BACPAC file (e.g., myDatabaseExport.bacpac).
- SQL server admin login: Enter the username for your SQL server.
- SQL server admin password: Enter the password for your SQL server.
Click OK. The export operation will begin. You can monitor its progress in the Azure portal notifications.

What is a BACPAC file?

A BACPAC file (.bacpac) is a compressed archive containing your Azure SQL Database's schema and data. It's a standard format for moving databases between different SQL Server instances or Azure SQL Database. BACPAC files are created using the Data-Tier Application Framework (DACFx).

Key characteristics:

Includes schema (tables, views, stored procedures, etc.) and data.
Does NOT include SQL Server logins or server-level objects.
Can be used to import into Azure SQL Database, SQL Server on Azure VMs, or on-premises SQL Server.

Best Practices for Exporting

Choose the Right Time: Perform exports during periods of low database activity to minimize performance impact.
Use Azure Storage Efficiently: Ensure your storage account has sufficient capacity and appropriate access tiers.
Secure Credentials: Avoid hardcoding passwords or storage keys in scripts. Use Azure Key Vault or Managed Identities for enhanced security.
Monitor Exports: Keep an eye on the export process to ensure it completes successfully and within expected timeframes.
Regular Backups: While exports are useful, they are not a replacement for Azure SQL Database's built-in automated backups.
Consider Database Size: For very large databases, the export process can take a significant amount of time and consume considerable resources. Plan accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Connection Errors: Ensure firewall rules on your Azure SQL Server are configured to allow access from the IP addresses or services performing the export (e.g., Azure Storage service IPs if applicable). Check that the admin credentials are correct.

Storage Permissions: Verify that the storage account and container have the correct permissions for the export operation. If using a Shared Access Signature (SAS), ensure it has the necessary read/write permissions.

Export Timeout: For very large databases, the export might time out. Consider breaking down the export if possible or ensuring your Azure resources (especially storage) are adequately provisioned.

Resource Governance: Ensure your SQL Database tier has enough DTUs/vCores available to handle the export operation without impacting other workloads.

In This Article

Exporting Azure SQL Database: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Prerequisites

Export Methods

Using the Azure CLI

Step 1: Install and Log In to Azure CLI

Step 2: Export the Database

Using Azure PowerShell

Step 1: Install and Connect to Azure PowerShell

Step 2: Export the Database

Using the Azure Portal

What is a BACPAC file?

Best Practices for Exporting

Troubleshooting Common Issues