Introduction:
Greetings to all our readers! Today we are going to introduce you to the installation process of SQL Server on Ubuntu. SQL server is a relational database management system that is widely used in various industries. The good news is that it is compatible with Linux! If you’re looking for a robust and effective way to manage your databases on Ubuntu, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through the entire process of installing SQL Server on Ubuntu. Let’s get started!
What is SQL Server?
Structured Query Language or SQL is the standard language used for accessing and manipulating relational databases. SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft that uses SQL as its primary query language. SQL Server is known for its high performance, reliability, security, and scalability. It is widely used in various industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and more.
Why Install SQL Server on Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a popular open-source operating system that is widely used by developers and organizations. It is fast, stable, secure, and free to use. By installing SQL Server on Ubuntu, you can take advantage of its powerful features and robust performance to manage your databases efficiently. Additionally, running SQL Server on Ubuntu is cost-effective and saves you money on licensing fees.
Pre-Requisites for Installing SQL Server on Ubuntu
Before we dive into the installation process, here are the things you need to prepare:
Requirement |
Description |
|---|---|
Ubuntu OS |
The latest version of Ubuntu installed on your machine. |
Root Access |
You need to have root access to your Ubuntu machine. |
Terminal |
You’ll need access to the terminal to execute command-line instructions. |
Internet Connection |
You must have a stable internet connection to download SQL Server packages. |
Steps to Install SQL Server on Ubuntu
Step 1: Import the Public Repository GPG Keys
Before installing SQL Server, you need to import the public repository GPG keys. These keys ensure that the packages you download are from a trusted source. Open the terminal and enter the following command:
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo apt-key add -
If you encounter an error during this step, check your internet connection and try again.
Step 2: Register the Microsoft SQL Server Ubuntu Repository
To register the Microsoft SQL Server Ubuntu repository, run the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository "$(wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/16.04/mssql-server-2019.list)"
Replace 16.04 with your Ubuntu version if you’re using a different version.
Step 3: Update Packages and Install SQL Server
Once the repository is registered, update the packages list and install SQL Server by entering the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y mssql-server
The installation process may take a few minutes to complete. During installation, you’ll be prompted to set the SA password for the SQL Server system administrator account. Choose a strong password and keep it safe.
Step 4: Configure SQL Server
After installing SQL Server, you need to configure it. Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup
You’ll be asked to choose the edition of SQL Server you want to use. Most users will choose Developer or Express edition, which is free to use. You can select your desired language, accept the license terms, and set the memory limit and TCP port.
Step 5: Verify SQL Server Installation
To verify that SQL Server is installed and running, enter the following command in the terminal:
systemctl status mssql-server --no-pager
The output should show that SQL Server is active and running.
Step 6: Install SQL Server Command-Line Tools
SQL Server comes with a set of command-line tools that you can use to manage your databases. To install these tools, enter the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install -y mssql-tools
The tools include SQLCMD, BCP, and SQL Server Profiler, among others.
Step 7: Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
SQL Server Management Studio is a graphical user interface tool that you can use to manage your SQL Server databases. To install SSMS, run the following commands:
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo apt-key add -
sudo add-apt-repository "$(wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/16.04/prod.list)"
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y mssql-tools unixodbc-dev
sudo apt-get install -y mssql-server-ssms
After installation, you can launch SSMS from the Applications menu.
Advantages of Installing SQL Server on Ubuntu
1. Cost-Effective
SQL Server is free to use on Ubuntu, which makes it a cost-effective choice for managing your databases.
2. High Performance and Reliability
SQL Server is known for its high performance and reliability, which helps ensure that your databases remain available and responsive.
3. Compatibility with Various Platforms
SQL Server is compatible with various platforms and can be used with Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS.
4. Security Features
SQL Server includes security features such as Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted, and Row-Level Security, which help protect your data from unauthorized access or theft.
5. Scalability
SQL Server can scale to meet the needs of small to large enterprises, making it an excellent choice for organizations of all sizes.
Disadvantages of Installing SQL Server on Ubuntu
1. Limited Support
While SQL Server on Ubuntu is a powerful tool, it has limited support compared to its Windows counterpart. You may encounter issues that require additional troubleshooting.
2. Learning Curve
If you’re new to SQL Server or Ubuntu, there may be a learning curve involved in understanding how to use the software effectively.
3. Compatibility Issues
SQL Server on Ubuntu may not be fully compatible with certain applications or tools, which can cause issues when using them together.
FAQs:
1. Is SQL Server free to use on Ubuntu?
Yes, SQL Server is free to use on Ubuntu. However, some features may require a paid license.
2. Can I install SQL Server on other Linux distributions?
Yes, SQL Server can be installed on other Linux distributions such as Red Hat, SUSE, and CentOS.
3. How do I connect to SQL Server on Ubuntu?
You can connect to SQL Server on Ubuntu using SQL Server Management Studio or any other database client that supports SQL Server.
4. Can I migrate my databases from Windows to Ubuntu?
Yes, you can migrate your databases from Windows to Ubuntu using the backup and restore method or the database copy method.
5. What are the minimum system requirements for installing SQL Server on Ubuntu?
The minimum system requirements for installing SQL Server on Ubuntu are 2 GB of RAM, 6 GB of disk space, and a 1.4 GHz or faster processor.
6. How do I start and stop SQL Server on Ubuntu?
You can start and stop SQL Server on Ubuntu using the following commands:
sudo systemctl start mssql-server
sudo systemctl stop mssql-server
7. Can I use SQL Server on Ubuntu in a production environment?
Yes, SQL Server on Ubuntu can be used in a production environment. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have adequate resources and that you’ve properly configured the software for your specific needs.
8. What are the different editions of SQL Server?
The different editions of SQL Server include Developer, Express, Standard, and Enterprise.
9. Can I use other database clients besides SSMS?
Yes, you can use other database clients such as Azure Data Studio, DBeaver, or HeidiSQL to connect to SQL Server on Ubuntu.
10. How do I backup and restore my databases on Ubuntu?
You can backup and restore your databases on Ubuntu using the following commands:
To backup:
sudo /opt/mssql-tools/bin/sqlcmd -S localhost -U SA -Q "BACKUP DATABASE [database_name] TO DISK='/var/opt/mssql/data/backup.bak'"
To restore:
sudo /opt/mssql-tools/bin/sqlcmd -S localhost -U SA -Q "RESTORE DATABASE [database_name] FROM DISK='/var/opt/mssql/data/backup.bak'"
11. How do I upgrade SQL Server on Ubuntu?
You can upgrade SQL Server on Ubuntu by installing the latest version using the same installation process mentioned in this article.
12. Can I use SQL Server on Ubuntu for web hosting?
Yes, SQL Server on Ubuntu can be used for web hosting. However, it’s essential to ensure that you’ve properly configured the software and have adequate resources to handle your web traffic.
13. What programming languages are supported by SQL Server?
SQL Server supports various programming languages such as C#, Java, Python, and PHP, among others.
Conclusion:
Installing SQL Server on Ubuntu is a powerful and cost-effective way to manage your databases. In this article, we have provided a step-by-step guide on how to install SQL Server on Ubuntu, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using it. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the installation process, and we encourage you to take advantage of the powerful features that SQL Server has to offer. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Closing Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The installation and use of SQL Server on Ubuntu may vary depending on your specific needs and configuration. We encourage you to consult with a professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding the installation or use of SQL Server on Ubuntu.