Year End Sale: Get Upto 40% OFF on Live Training! Offer Ending in
D
H
M
S
Get Now
Azure SQL  Server - Complete Tutorial for Beginners

Azure SQL Server - Complete Tutorial for Beginners

27 Aug 2024
Intermediate
401 Views
14 min read
Learn with an interactive course and practical hands-on labs

Free Azure Course: Best Free Online Microsoft Azure Courses

Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database is a relational database (RDBMS) service supplied by Microsoft Azure that developers commonly employ when developing new cloud-based apps. Microsoft totally manages it and is a highly scalable platform-as-a-service (PaaS) explicitly tailored for cloud applications.

In the Azure tutorial, we will learn Azure SQL Services, what is Azure SQL Database?, Azure SQL Server, Azure SQL Database Architecture, deployment options for Azure SQL Database, key features of Azure SQL Database, how to work with Azure SQL Database, key features of Azure SQL Database, and many more.

Azure SQL Services

Azure SQL Services is a wide area network for different types of managed database services provided by Microsoft Azure. These services are designed to meet a wide variety of database needs, covering complex situations like data warehousing and analytics in addition to standard relational databases.

There are some key components of Azure SQL Services, such as:

If you're thinking about working as an Azure Developer, you should take into Azure Developer RoadMap.

Azure SQL Services

Here, we will discuss only Azure SQL Database.

What is Microsoft Azure SQL Database?

Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service offered by Microsoft Azure. It depends on SQL Server technology and offers a range of features to support existing cloud applications without requiring management of the underlying infrastructure, software, or hardware.

Let's understand Azure SQL Database with the following points:

  • Fully managed database service with no maintenance required.
  • Scalable resources to meet varying workload demands.
  • High availability with automated backups and geo-replication.
  • Strong security features like encryption and firewall protection.
  • Intelligent performance optimization with automatic tuning.
  • Seamless integration with other Azure services and global deployment options.

The Azure SQL Databases provide deployment options in three ways that are:

  1. Single Database
  2. Elastic Pool
  3. Managed Instance
Read More:
Understanding Azure Front Door (Features, Architecture, and Uses)
What is Cloud Computing? A Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Azure

1. Single Database

  • A single, isolated database with its own dedicated resources.
  • Ideal for applications that require reliable performance and have predictable workloads

2. Elastic Pool

  • A collection of databases that share a set of resources within a pool.
  • Best suited for scenarios where multiple databases have varying and unpredictable usage patterns, allowing resources to be allocated dynamically across databases.

3. Managed Instance

  • With Managed Instance, moving workloads from on-premises to the cloud is simpler because to its nearly full feature compatibility.
  • It provides virtual network (VNet) isolation, enabling secure connections between your Managed Instance and other resources in your Azure environment.

Also Read: Cloud Architect Career Guide: How to Become a Cloud Architect

    Azure SQL Database v/s SQL Server

    FeaturesAzure SQL DatabaseAzure SQL Server
    DeploymentCloud-based, fully managed PaaSOn-premises or hosted in a virtual machine
    ManagementMicrosoft handles maintenance, backups, updates, and patchesRequires manual management and maintenance
    ScalabilityEasily scalable with options like single database, elastic pools, or managed instancesRequires manual scaling by adding hardware or configuring VMs
    Cost ModelPay-as-you-go with pricing based on usageRequires upfront investment in hardware and licenses or ongoing VM costs
    High AvailabilityBuilt-in with a 99.99% SLARequires configuration and management for high availability (e.g., Always On)
    Securitybuilt-in security features like data encryption, threat detection,Security features are available but require manual configuration and management
    Back-up and RecoveryAutomated backups with point-in-time restore optionsRequires manual setup and management of backup and recovery solutions
    PerformanceManaged with options to choose DTUs/vCores and performance tiersPerformance depends on hardware and configuration, with full control over tuning
    Use CaseIdeal for new cloud-native applications, SaaS solutionsSuitable for large enterprises needing full control, customization,

    Azure SQL Database Architecture

    Azure SQL Database works under four layers, that are:

    1. Client Layer
    2. Service Layer
    3. Platform Layer
    4. Infrastructure Layer

    For a better understanding, you should also read the Azure Architecture for Beginners article.

    Azure SQL Database Architecture

    1 Client Layer

    • Handles secure communication between applications and the database.
    • Supports multiple connectivity options like ADO.NET, JDBC, and ODBC.
    • Ensures compatibility with multiple programming languages and platforms.

    2. Service Layer

    • Automates database operations, including scaling and resource management.
    • Ensures high availability with built-in redundancy and failover support.
    • Integrates advanced security measures and automated backups.

    3. Platform Layer

    • Manages underlying infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking.
    • Automates load balancing, patching, and performance monitoring.
    • Handles disaster recovery and data replication for high availability.

    4. Infrastructure Layer

    • Provides the physical hardware and data center infrastructure for Azure SQL Database.
    • Ensures security, power, cooling, and network connectivity at the data center level.
    • Supports global data center availability and redundancy for robust disaster recovery.

    Azure SQL Database Service Tiers and Purchasing Models

    Azure SQL Database Service Tiers offer multiple levels of performance and feature support to meet the demands of various applications while purchasing models provide flexible resource management and optimization.

    Azure SQL Database Purchasing Models

    1. DTU Model

    It is referred to as the Database Transaction Unit buying model. This paradigm is based on a combined measure of processing, storage, and I/O resources across three service tiers to accommodate light to heavy database workloads.

    • DTU bundles compute, memory, and I/O resources into a single measure.
    • Offers predefined performance tiers like Basic, Standard, and Premium.
    • Provides fixed performance levels with straightforward pricing.
    • It simplifies performance management but has less flexibility than vCore.
    • Limited ability to scale computing and storage independently.

    2. Vcore Model

    It's called the Virtual Core Model. It offers an option between a provided and a serverless computing tier.

    • vCore model allows independent scaling of compute, memory, and storage resources.
    • Provides flexibility to choose the number of virtual cores and storage based on workload needs.
    • Offers options for General Purpose and Business Critical tiers, with the ability to adjust resources as required.

    3. Serverless Model

    The serverless model automatically adjusts computing in response to workload needs. It automatically pauses databases during periods of inactivity and resumes databases when activity returns.

    Serverless Model

    Azure SQL Database Service Tiers

    1. Basic

    Suitable for small applications with light workloads and minimal performance requirements.

    2. Standard

    Balances performance and cost for moderate traffic and workload demands.

    3. Premium

    Designed for high-performance and mission-critical applications with advanced features and high resource needs.

    4. Hyperscale

    It supports large databases and high throughput with scalable storage and computing resources.

    How to Work with Azure SQL Database: A Hands-On Tutorial

    1. First, Log in to Azure, click on the Go to the Portal link, and navigate to the Azure Management Portal.

    2. Go to the Dashboard, click on all resources, write the SQL keyword inside the search textbox, and then select the SQL database option.

    3. Click on the Create SQL database link on the SQL database page.

    4. Under the DATABASE DETAILS heading, enter the Database name and Server.

    5. To create a new server, click on Create new under the Server textbox.

    6. In Compute + storage, click Configure database and then choose Standard.

    7. Click Review + create to continue.

    8. Read the terms and conditions and the configuration settings. Click Create to provision the SQL database.

    Microsoft Azure SQL Database Pricing

    1. DTU-Based Pricing

    • Basic: ₹375 per database per month (approximately)
    • Standard: ₹1,125 per database per month (approximately)
    • Premium: ₹9,375 per database per month (approximately)
    • Premium RS: ₹13,125 per database per month (approximately)

    2. vCore-Based Pricing

    • General Purpose:₹1,500 - ₹6,000 per vCore per month (approximately)
    • Hyperscale: ₹3,000 - ₹12,000 per vCore per month (approximately)

    Advantages of Using Azure SQL Database

    • Reduces administrative overhead with automatic maintenance, backups, and updates.
    • Easily scales resources up or down based on application needs.
    • Built-in features provide robust, high availability and disaster recovery.
    • Advanced security features like encryption and threat detection protect your data.
    • Pay-as-you-go pricing and serverless options help optimize costs.

    Azure SQL Database Best Practices

    Azure SQL Database provides some best practices, such as:

    1. Optimize Performance

    • Use performance tools to analyze and optimize query performance.
    • Implement automatic and manual indexing strategies to improve query efficiency.

    2. Implement Security Measures

    • Enable encryption for data at rest and in transit.
    • Use role-based access controls and network security groups to restrict access.

    3. Regular Backups

    • Ensure automatic backups are enabled.
    • Regularly test restore processes to safeguard against data loss.

    5. Scale Appropriately

    • Choose the right service tier based on application requirements.
    • Scale resources up or down according to workload demands.

    6. Monitor Resource Usage

    • Configure alerts for resource utilization and potential issues.
    • Regularly review metrics to identify and address performance bottlenecks.

    If you are confused about which Azure certification is for you, this Microsoft Azure Certification Paths article is for you.

    Advanced Features and Use Cases

    Azure SQL Database provides advanced features and use cases that are:

    Azure SQL Database Advanced Features

    1. Advanced Security

    Includes data encryption at rest and in transit, threat detection, and vulnerability assessment to ensure comprehensive protection.

    2. Automated Backup and Restore

    Provides automated backups with point-in-time restore capabilities for disaster recovery and data protection.

    3. High Availability and Disaster Recovery:

    Built-in high availability with automatic failover and geo-replication for disaster recovery.

    4. Scalability

    Offers flexible scaling options with service tiers and the ability to scale compute and storage resources independently.

    5. Serverless Compute

    Automatically scales compute resources based on workload demand, with cost savings during periods of inactivity.

    6. Hyperscale

    Supports large databases with fast scaling of storage and compute resources, and near-instantaneous backup and rest

    Azure SQL Database Use Cases

    1. E-Commerce

    Handles high transaction volumes and ensures availability during peak shopping seasons with scalable resources and high-availability features.

    2. Financial Services

    Provides robust security and compliance features for managing sensitive financial data and transactions.

    3. Healthcare

    Manages large volumes of patient data with solid security and compliance with regulatory requirements.

    4. SaaS Applications

    Supports multi-tenant applications with elastic pools to manage resources across multiple databases efficiently.

    5. Business Intelligence

    Integrates with BI tools for advanced analytics, reporting, and data visualization to support decision-making processes.

    Read More
    Top 50 Azure Administrator Interview Questions and Answers
    Top 50 Azure Interview Questions and Answers
    Conclusion
    In conclusion, the Azure SQL Database is a complete solution for various industries, from dynamic e-commerce platforms to sensitive financial and healthcare systems. Its broad features, such as scalability, security, and interaction with powerful analytics tools, identify it as a top solution for a wide range of data management needs. If you are looking to enhance your software testing experience further, then we highly recommend you to check ScholorHat’s Full-Stack Java Developer and MERN: Full-Stack Web Developer.

    FAQs

    Azure SQL Database is a fully managed cloud service with automatic scaling, while SQL Server is an on-premises system requiring manual management. 

    The pricing options for the Azure SQL Database:
    • DTU-Based: Fixed tiers with bundled resources (Basic, Standard, Premium).
    • vCore-Based: Flexible scaling of computing and storage with General Purpose and Business Critical tiers.
    • Serverless: Pay-as-you-go for computing with automatic scaling.
    • Hyperscale: Scales storage and computing independently for large databases.

    Optimize performance in Azure SQL Database by monitoring and analyzing metrics with tools like Query Performance Insight and by tuning queries and indexing strategies. Additionally, it adjusts resources dynamically and automates indexing to maintain optimal performance. 

    Yes, Azure SQL Database supports high-demand enterprise applications with features for high availability, scalability, and performance. 

    Azure SQL Server is used to manage and organize multiple Azure SQL Databases, providing a logical container for hosting and configuring them. 

    Azure SQL Database uses Transact-SQL (T-SQL), which is Microsoft's proprietary extension of SQL for querying and managing relational databases. 

    Take our Azure skill challenge to evaluate yourself!

    In less than 5 minutes, with our skill challenge, you can identify your knowledge gaps and strengths in a given skill.

    GET FREE CHALLENGE

    Share Article
    About Author
    Shailendra Chauhan (Microsoft MVP, Founder & CEO at Scholarhat by DotNetTricks)

    Shailendra Chauhan, Founder and CEO of ScholarHat by DotNetTricks, is a renowned expert in System Design, Software Architecture, Azure Cloud, .NET, Angular, React, Node.js, Microservices, DevOps, and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development. His skill set extends into emerging fields like Data Science, Python, Azure AI/ML, and Generative AI, making him a well-rounded expert who bridges traditional development frameworks with cutting-edge advancements. Recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for an impressive 9 consecutive years (2016–2024), he has consistently demonstrated excellence in delivering impactful solutions and inspiring learners.

    Shailendra’s unique, hands-on training programs and bestselling books have empowered thousands of professionals to excel in their careers and crack tough interviews. A visionary leader, he continues to revolutionize technology education with his innovative approach.
    Accept cookies & close this