install SQLServer sets up Microsoft SQL Server on a local machine, VM, or container so you can start creating databases and tables immediately.
SQL Server delivers a battle-tested relational engine, high-availability options, integrated analytics, and strong tooling. Installing it locally lets you prototype, test, and run production workloads without relying on external services.
Run the official Microsoft repository script, install the mssql-server
package, then complete the setup wizard to pick an edition and set the sa
password.
curl https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | sudo apt-key add -
sudo add-apt-repository "$(curl https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/22.04/mssql-server-2022.list)"
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y mssql-server
sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup # choose Developer edition
Keep TCP 1433 open so applications and tools such as Galaxy can connect.
Download the Developer or Express edition ISO, run setup.exe
, and follow the wizard. Select Database Engine Services, Mixed Mode authentication, and specify the sa
password.
Developer edition is feature-complete and free for dev/test; Express is free for small workloads but limited to 10 GB per database.
docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2022-latest
docker run -e "ACCEPT_EULA=Y" -e "SA_PASSWORD=Str0ngP@ss!" \
-p 1433:1433 --name sql2022 -d mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2022-latest
The container starts in seconds and persists data in the writable layer. Mount a host volume for durability.
Install client tools (sqlcmd
, Azure Data Studio), enable remote connections, configure backups, and create a starter ecommerce
database.
sqlcmd -S localhost -U sa -P "Str0ngP@ss!" -Q "CREATE DATABASE ecommerce;"
Harden authentication, enforce TLS, schedule full/diff/log backups, and monitor resource usage. Document connection strings for teammates.
Wrong edition selected: Re-run mssql-conf setup
(Linux) or the installer (Windows) to switch. Weak sa
password: Use at least 8 chars, 3 character classes, and no dictionary words.
Developer and Express editions are free. Standard and Enterprise require licenses.
Yes, they listen on different ports. Watch RAM and I/O usage.
Run sudo apt-get purge mssql-*
, remove the repository file, and delete /var/opt/mssql
.
Yes. The Developer edition is free and feature-complete for dev/test workloads.
TCP 1433 for the engine and 1434 for the browser service. Keep them open if clients connect remotely.
On Linux, rerun mssql-conf setup
. On Windows, launch setup and choose Edition Upgrade.