SQL Server on Linux: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, are you considering running SQL Server on Linux? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to set up SQL Server on Linux, from installation to configuration to management. Let’s dive in!

What is SQL Server on Linux?

SQL Server is a popular Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. Historically, SQL Server only ran on the Windows operating system. However, with the release of SQL Server 2017, Microsoft announced support for Linux operating systems. SQL Server on Linux allows developers to run and manage SQL Server workloads on a variety of Linux distributions.

SQL Server on Linux comes with all the features that SQL Server on Windows provides. It includes support for enterprise-level features such as high availability, disaster recovery, and advanced analytics. SQL Server on Linux also supports popular programming languages, including Python, Java, and Node.js.

Why Use SQL Server on Linux?

SQL Server on Linux brings several benefits to developers and businesses. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using SQL Server on Linux:

Reasons to Use SQL Server on Linux
Cost Savings
Increased Flexibility
Improved Scalability
Compatibility with Open Source Technologies

Cost Savings

One of the main benefits of using SQL Server on Linux is cost savings. SQL Server on Linux is available at a lower cost than SQL Server on Windows. Furthermore, Linux is an open source operating system that eliminates the need for costly licensing fees that come with proprietary operating systems like Windows Server.

Increased Flexibility

SQL Server on Linux provides developers with increased flexibility. Developers can choose from a variety of Linux distributions to run SQL Server, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Moreover, developers can deploy SQL Server on-premises or in the cloud, giving them flexibility in terms of deployment methods.

Improved Scalability

Scalability is another benefit of SQL Server on Linux. Developers can scale up or scale out SQL Server workloads and resources based on their needs. SQL Server on Linux also supports integration with container technologies like Docker, which makes it easy to package SQL Server with other application components and deploy them together.

Compatibility with Open Source Technologies

SQL Server on Linux provides compatibility with open source technologies like Hadoop and Spark. This enables developers to integrate SQL Server with other data platforms and tools to create powerful analytics solutions.

Installing SQL Server on Linux

The first step to running SQL Server on Linux is to install it on your Linux machine. The installation process may vary depending on the Linux distribution you are using. Here’s a general overview of the installation process:

Step 1: Register Microsoft GPG Key

Before you can install SQL Server on Linux, you need to register the Microsoft GPG key to verify the packages before installation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download and import the Microsoft GPG key:

wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo apt-key add -

2. Add the Microsoft SQL Server Ubuntu repository:

sudo add-apt-repository "$(wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/16.04/mssql-server-2017.list)"

Step 2: Install SQL Server on Linux

Once you have registered the Microsoft GPG key, you can install SQL Server on Linux:

sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install -y mssql-server

Step 3: Configure SQL Server on Linux

After installing SQL Server on Linux, you need to configure it. Here are the steps:

1. Run the setup wizard:

sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup

2. Specify the SQL Server system administrator (SA) password:

Enter the SQL Server system administrator (SA) password:

Managing SQL Server on Linux

After installing and configuring SQL Server on Linux, you need to manage it. Here are some common management tasks you may encounter:

Starting and Stopping SQL Server

To start or stop SQL Server on Linux, use the following commands:

sudo systemctl start mssql-serversudo systemctl stop mssql-server

Connecting to SQL Server on Linux

You can connect to SQL Server on Linux using the sqlcmd command-line utility or a graphical management tool like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Here’s how to connect using sqlcmd:

sqlcmd -S localhost -U SA -P yourpassword

Replace “yourpassword” with your actual SA password.

Backing Up and Restoring Databases

To back up a SQL Server database on Linux, use the following command:

sudo /opt/mssql/bin/sqlcmd -S localhost -U SA -Q "BACKUP DATABASE [YourDatabase] TO DISK='/var/opt/mssql/backup/YourDatabase.bak'"

To restore a SQL Server database on Linux, use the following command:

sudo /opt/mssql/bin/sqlcmd -S localhost -U SA -Q "RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabase] FROM DISK='/var/opt/mssql/backup/YourDatabase.bak'"

FAQ

Which Linux distributions are supported by SQL Server?

SQL Server is currently supported on the following Linux distributions:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.3 and later
• Ubuntu 16.04 and later
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP2 and later

Can I run SQL Server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can run SQL Server on a virtual machine. However, you should pay attention to the virtual machine’s resources (CPU, memory, and storage) to ensure adequate performance.

Is SQL Server on Linux the same as SQL Server on Windows?

Yes, SQL Server on Linux provides the same features and functionality as SQL Server on Windows.

What database engines does SQL Server on Linux support?

SQL Server on Linux supports the following database engines:

• Relational Database Engine
• Analysis Services
• Integration Services
• Reporting Services

Is SQL Server on Linux faster or slower than SQL Server on Windows?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as performance depends on a variety of factors, such as hardware, workload, and configuration. However, some users have reported that SQL Server on Linux can provide better performance than SQL Server on Windows in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

SQL Server on Linux is a powerful RDBMS that offers developers and businesses increased flexibility, cost savings, and compatibility with open source technologies. With this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to install, configure, and manage SQL Server on Linux. We hope this article has been informative and helpful!