You can definitely SQL dev with Azure Database using Microsoft tools. Azure Database is fully managed, so you don't need to worry about provisioning or patching.
Azure Database supports SQL Server 2019, which means you can use the latest features and tools. You can also use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to connect to and manage your database.
With Azure Database, you can use Azure Data Studio, a free, open-source tool that provides a unified experience for database development and management.
Prerequisites
To get started with SQL development using an Azure database, there's one essential requirement you need to meet: you must have a Microsoft Azure account.
Your Microsoft Azure account must contain an SQL data source that you will be connecting to.
Having a solid grasp of SQL fundamentals is also crucial for effective development.
Azure Database Setup
Azure Database Setup is a crucial step in getting started with SQL development on Azure Database. You can set up a new Azure Database instance in just a few clicks.
To create a new database, you'll need to select the Azure Database service, then choose the database edition and pricing tier that suits your needs. I've found that the Standard edition is a good starting point for most projects.
Next, you'll need to create a server and database name, and choose a location for your database. Make sure to choose a location that's close to your development team for optimal performance.
Azure Database supports a wide range of database engines, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server. You can choose the engine that best fits your project requirements.
Once you've set up your database, you'll need to create a new user and assign the necessary permissions. I recommend creating a new user for each project to keep things organized.
You can also set up database backups and monitoring to ensure your database is running smoothly. Azure Database provides a range of tools and features to help you manage your database.
Development Tools
When it comes to connecting to Azure SQL Database, you'll need a suitable development tool. You can use IntelliJ IDEA, which comes bundled with the Database Tools and SQL plugin enabled by default. Press Ctrl+Alt+S to open settings, select Plugins, and ensure the checkbox next to the plugin name is selected.
You can also use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to connect to Azure SQL Database. To do this, open SSMS, launch a new connection, and enter the necessary details, including the server type, server name, authentication, login, and password.
dbForge Studio for SQL Server is another popular choice for working with Azure SQL databases. This multi-functional IDE includes features not available in SSMS and is fully compatible with Azure. To connect, establish a new connection in the Studio and enter the server name and your credentials.
Here are some popular development tools for working with Azure SQL Database:
- IntelliJ IDEA
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
- dbForge Studio for SQL Server
- Visual Studio
Using Management Studio
SQL Server Management Studio is a powerful tool for managing SQL databases, and it's fully compatible with Azure SQL databases.
You can use SSMS to connect to Azure SQL databases and perform various operations, including querying databases and retrieving data.
To connect to Azure SQL using SSMS, you need to launch a new connection, enter the server name, authentication, login, and password, and then click Connect.
The Azure SQL Database does not support the USE statement, so you need to establish a new connection for each database if you want to switch between them.
Here's a quick rundown of the connection settings you need to enter:
After establishing the connection, you can query the database in the same way as other databases in SSMS.
By using SSMS, you can efficiently manage your Azure SQL databases and perform various operations with ease.
Client Layer
The client layer plays a crucial role in accessing SQL Database. It acts as an interface for applications, making it possible to communicate with SQL Databases.
The client layer includes various tools and technologies such as SQL Server tools, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), ADO.NET, and Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP). These tools enable data transfer between applications and SQL Databases using Tabular Data Stream (TDS).
ADO.NET and ODBC can connect to SQL without any additional demands, making it a convenient option for developers. This connection is facilitated by the use of TDS, which transfers data between applications and SQL Databases.
Here are some popular programming languages that can be used to connect to Azure SQL:
- .NET with Visual Studio
- .NET with Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Go
- Node.js
- PHP
- Python
- Ruby
Service Layer
The service layer is a crucial component in the architecture, acting as a doorway between the platform and client layers. It validates requests and authenticates users, ensuring secure interactions between the two.
Provisioning, billing, and routing connections are all handled within this layer. It establishes a connection between the client and server, routing packets through this connection.
The service layer is responsible for authenticating users, which is a vital aspect of security. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and interact with the database.
In the context of Azure SQL Database, the service layer plays a key role in managing connections and routing packets. This allows for efficient communication between the client and server.
Here are some key features of the service layer in Azure SQL Database:
- Provisioning: The service layer handles provisioning, allowing you to easily set up and manage connections.
- Billing: It also handles billing, ensuring that you only pay for what you use.
- Routing connections: The service layer routes packets through connections, ensuring efficient communication between the client and server.
Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a powerful tool for data analysis and visualization. It requires Azure SQL credentials to connect to your database.
To configure Azure SQL credentials in Qlik Sense, you need to select the SQL Server Authentication mechanism. This is a required step.
Here are the specific properties you need to configure:
You'll need to enter a valid user name and password to complete the configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to connect SQL Developer to Azure SQL Database?
To connect SQL Developer to Azure SQL Database, enter the database name, host, and port, along with your Azure SQL Database username and password. Additionally, select a security protocol and SSL mode to ensure a secure connection.
Is Azure SQL different from SQL Server?
Yes, Azure SQL is different from SQL Server, offering additional features like built-in high availability and intelligence. While it supports most database-level features and SQL standards, there are key differences to explore.
Sources
- https://blog.devart.com/connect-to-sql-azure.html
- https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/azure-sql-database.html
- https://intellipaat.com/blog/tutorial/microsoft-azure-tutorial/azure-sql/
- https://help.qlik.com/en-US/connectors/Subsystems/ODBC_connector_help/Content/Connectors_ODBC/MS-Azure/Create-MS-Azure-connection.htm
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/develop-overview
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