Explore SQL Server on Linux: Top 10 Best Practices

SQL Server on Linux – traditionally linked with Windows systems, Microsoft SQL Server functions well on Linux. This capacity opens doors for businesses seeking flexible, safe, affordable database solutions. In this guide, we’ll walk through the history, advantages, configuration steps, best practices, common issues, and frequently asked questions about SQL Server on Linux.

Introduction to SQL Server

SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. Microsoft SQL Server has multiple versions & stores, which fulfill the organization’s requirements. The SQL Server stores the data for data manipulations & future reference, retrieves the required data, and manages data across various applications — from web apps to enterprise-level software. With support for Structured Query Language (SQL), SQL Server provides robust features like high availability, disaster recovery, performance tuning, and security.

A Glimpse into History

Microsoft SQL Server was only available on the Windows operating system. However, Microsoft took a revolutionary step in 2016 when it announced that SQL Server would be supported on Linux, beginning with SQL Server 2017. This significant change made SQL Server a cross-platform database popular with the enterprise and open-source sectors.

Advantages of using SQL Server 20XX on Linux

A few advantages of using SQL Server on Linux are given below for better understanding:-

✅ It is a Cost-Effective Deployment for an organization

As we know, the Linux operating system is a free and open-source operating system, significantly reducing the overall deployment cost compared to Windows. This SQL Server feature on Linux is an economical choice for startups and enterprises.

✅ It provides the Same Core Engine as Windows

The Microsoft SQL Server on Linux uses the same database engine as its Windows counterpart. This ensures feature parity, allowing developers and DBAs to work with the same tools and syntax across platforms.

✅ It provides Cross-Platform Flexibility

The Microsoft SQL Server (2017 or later) on Linux allows for better integration in mixed-OS environments. It fits well with DevOps pipelines, container-based deployments, and cloud-native applications.

✅ Provides Improved Resource Management

Linux provides better control over CPU, memory, and I/O resource management. This can lead to improved performance, especially for high-throughput workloads.

✅ It Supports Containers and Orchestration

The Microsoft SQL Server (2017 or later) on Linux works seamlessly with Docker and Kubernetes. This feature simplifies the scaling, testing, and deployment in CI/CD workflows.

✅ Provides more Security and Stability

Linux is known for its strong security model and system stability. When appropriately configured, it provides a highly secure and reliable environment for database operations.

Disadvantages of using SQL Server 20XX on Linux

A few disadvantages of using SQL Server on Linux are given below for better understanding:-

❌Limited Graphical Tools

Unlike Windows, Linux does not natively support SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Users must rely on command-line tools or use cross-platform options like Azure Data Studio.

❌Feature Gaps in Some Editions

Advanced features, such as SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Analysis Services (SSAS), are unavailable or fully supported on Linux. This might be a dealbreaker for organizations heavily reliant on those services.

❌Steep Learning Curve for Windows DBAs

Administrators may find it challenging to manage the Linux environment to grant permissions, manage file systems, etc. This requires additional training on Linux or the hiring of highly skilled professionals.

❌Limited Third-Party Integration

Some third-party backup, monitoring, or replication tools may not fully support Linux-based SQL Server instances. This can affect automation and monitoring setups.

❌Dependency on Command-Line Configuration

Most of the installation and configuration steps in Linux are command-line-based. This might slow down setup and troubleshooting for users used to GUI-based interactions.

Why Do We Need SQL Server on Linux?

Microsoft has made significant progress by introducing SQL Server on Linux in recent years. But why is a Linux-based SQL Server so important? Let’s explore the leading causes:

It provides Cross-Platform Flexibility: –

Organizations often run mixed environments with both Windows and Linux servers. By supporting Linux, SQL Server allows seamless integration, reducing the need to maintain separate database systems.

It reduces Licensing and OS overhead: –

We can use SQL Server on Linux to reduce licensing costs and extra overhead on the OS in cloud or hybrid environments.

Cloud and Container Optimization: –

Linux dominates the cloud-native and containerization landscape (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes). With SQL Server on Linux, it’s easier to deploy scalable, containerized database solutions in cloud environments like Azure, AWS, and GCP.

Modern DevOps and CI/CD Integration: –

Developers and DevOps teams prefer Linux for its command-line tools, scripting capabilities, and ecosystem. Running SQL Server on Linux simplifies CI/CD pipelines, automation, and integration with tools like Ansible, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.

A popular Linux ECosystem: –

The Linux ecosystem is popular in DevOps and cloud-native workflows.

It Provides Enterprise-Grade Features: –

MS SQL Server on Linux provides nearly all enterprise-grade features to developers as well as administrators, including:

Always On Availability Groups
In-Memory OLTP
Advanced security features like TDE and row-level security

It provides a feature to customize and control: –

SQL Server on Linux helps us to customize & control properly during deployments.

Expanding Microsoft’s Ecosystem: –

This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of embracing open-source technologies and expanding its user base beyond the Windows ecosystem.

It helps to bridge the gap between development & prod environment: –

It helps to bridge the gap between development (often done on Linux) and production environments.

Conclusion

The Microsoft SQL Server on Linux facilitates communication between the open-source community and Microsoft’s robust database engine. It allows companies to embrace flexibility, reduce expenses, and sustain performance at scale. This cross-platform capability is a huge benefit for developers and DBAs, regardless of whether they are deploying within containers, on-premises, or in the cloud.