Hello Dev, are you tired of using SQL Server on Windows? Well, we have some good news for you – SQL Server is now available on Linux! This is a game-changer for developers who prefer working on Linux machines. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about SQL Server for Linux. So let’s get started!
What is SQL Server for Linux?
SQL Server for Linux is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that allows users to store and retrieve data from a database. It is a cross-platform version of SQL Server that runs on Linux operating systems. This means that you can now use SQL Server on your favorite Linux distribution.
SQL Server for Linux was first released in 2016, and since then, it has gained a lot of popularity among developers who prefer working on Linux machines. With SQL Server for Linux, you get all the features and functionality of SQL Server, but on a Linux platform.
In the next few sections, we will cover the features of SQL Server for Linux, how to install it, and some frequently asked questions.
Features of SQL Server for Linux
SQL Server for Linux comes with a wide range of features that make it a great choice for developers. Here are some of the key features:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
High Availability |
SQL Server for Linux supports high availability features such as Always On Availability Groups and Failover Cluster Instances. |
Security |
SQL Server for Linux comes with advanced security features such as Transparent Data Encryption and Always Encrypted. |
Performance |
SQL Server for Linux is designed to provide high performance on Linux systems, with support for in-memory OLTP and columnstore indexes. |
Scalability |
SQL Server for Linux can scale to handle large amounts of data, with support for up to 15,000 partitions per table. |
High Availability
One of the key features of SQL Server for Linux is its support for high availability. This means that you can set up a SQL Server cluster on Linux and ensure that your database is always available, even in the event of a server failure.
SQL Server for Linux supports Always On Availability Groups, which is a feature that allows you to create a group of databases that are kept in sync across multiple servers. This means that if one server fails, the other servers in the group can continue to serve the requests, ensuring high availability.
SQL Server for Linux also supports Failover Cluster Instances, which is a feature that allows you to set up a cluster of SQL Server instances on Linux. In the event of a server failure, the SQL Server instance can be moved to another server in the cluster, ensuring that your database is always available.
Overall, the high availability features of SQL Server for Linux make it a great choice for mission-critical applications that require high availability.
Security
SQL Server for Linux comes with advanced security features that can help protect your data. Here are some of the key security features:
- Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) – This feature encrypts your data at rest, ensuring that it cannot be read without the decryption key. TDE is a great way to protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Always Encrypted – This feature allows you to encrypt your data at the column level, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to your database, they will not be able to read the sensitive data.
- Row-Level Security – This feature allows you to control access to your data at the row level. This can be useful if you have sensitive data that should only be accessed by certain users.
Overall, the security features of SQL Server for Linux make it a great choice for applications that require strong security measures.
Performance
SQL Server for Linux is designed to provide high performance on Linux systems. Here are some of the key performance features:
- In-Memory OLTP – This feature allows you to store your data in memory, providing faster access times for frequently accessed data.
- Columnstore Indexes – This feature allows you to store your data in a columnar format, which can provide faster query times for certain types of queries.
- Query Store – This feature allows you to analyze the performance of your queries and make changes to improve their performance.
Overall, the performance features of SQL Server for Linux make it a great choice for applications that require high performance.
Scalability
SQL Server for Linux can scale to handle large amounts of data. Here are some of the key scalability features:
- 15,000 Partitions per Table – This feature allows you to partition your data into up to 15,000 partitions per table, providing scalability for very large databases.
- Distributed Query – This feature allows you to query data from multiple servers, providing scalability for distributed databases.
Overall, the scalability features of SQL Server for Linux make it a great choice for applications that require scalability.
How to Install SQL Server for Linux
Installing SQL Server for Linux is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- Download the SQL Server for Linux installer from the Microsoft website.
- Run the installer.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose the installation options.
- Click Install.
Once the installation is complete, you can start using SQL Server for Linux.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SQL Server for Linux free?
Yes, there is a free version of SQL Server for Linux called SQL Server Express. However, if you need more advanced features or require support, you will need to purchase a license.
Can I migrate my SQL Server database from Windows to Linux?
Yes, you can migrate your SQL Server database from Windows to Linux using the SQL Server Migration Assistant for Linux. This tool allows you to migrate your database schema, data, and objects from Windows to Linux.
Does SQL Server for Linux support all the features of SQL Server on Windows?
SQL Server for Linux supports most of the features of SQL Server on Windows. However, there are a few features that are not currently supported, such as Analysis Services and Reporting Services. You can check the Microsoft documentation for a full list of features that are supported on Linux.
Can I use SQL Server for Linux with my favorite Linux distribution?
Yes, SQL Server for Linux is compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Is SQL Server for Linux faster than SQL Server on Windows?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as performance depends on a wide range of factors, such as the hardware and workload. However, many users have reported that SQL Server for Linux provides faster performance than SQL Server on Windows in certain scenarios.
Conclusion
SQL Server for Linux is a powerful RDBMS that provides all the features and functionality of SQL Server on a Linux platform. With support for high availability, security, performance, and scalability, SQL Server for Linux is a great choice for developers who prefer working on Linux machines. We hope this guide has helped you understand everything you need to know about SQL Server for Linux. Happy coding!