Azure SQL Database Documentation
Azure SQL Database is a general-purpose relational database-as-a-service (DBaaS) based on the latest stable version of Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine. SQL Database is a high-performance, reliable, and secure cloud database that you can use to build data-driven applications and websites in the programming language of your choice, without needing to manage infrastructure. Learn how to use SQL Database with our quickstarts, tutorials, and samples.
Fully managed
PaaS database that is always running on the latest stable version of SQL Server Database Engine and patched OS with 99.99% availability.
Price/service tiers
Tailor price/performance ratio to your needs with flexible service tiers that span from affordable $5/month to powerful 80-core databases.
Scalability
Easily scale up, scale out, or shard your databases depending on your needs to improve performance of your application.
Single database
Use the single database managed by a SQL Database server for your SaaS applications and microservices that need a single database with the predictable performances.
Elastic pools
SQL Database elastic pools are a simple, cost-effective solution for managing and scaling multiple databases that have varying and unpredictable usage demands.
Managed instance
Use the Managed Instance to easily migrate your on-premises databases to the fully managed Azure PaaS database service with minimal or no database code changes.
Platform as a Service
Built-in High-availability, automated backups, and geo-replication, will prevent maintenance operations, infrastructure or hardware failures from stopping your business.
Advanced security
Secure your database with Azure AD authentication, Virtual Networks, Firewalls, Always Encrypted connections. Identify threats and vulnerabilities with built-in security.
Monitoring and tuning
Built-in monitoring and intelligent tuning help you dramatically reduce the costs of running and managing databases and maximizes performance of your application.
5-Minute Quickstarts
Azure SQL Database enables you to easily perform basic management tasks using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell. Learn how to perform basic management tasks using the following quickstart samples:
 The Azure portal |  Azure CLI |  PowerShell |  Azure Resource Manager template | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create single database | ||||
| Create elastic pool | ||||
| Create managed instance |
Step-by-Step Tutorials
Learn how to create, manage, and migrate databases using SQL Database
- Get started with a single database and a managed instance using our quickstart guides.
- Create and design the schema for a new single database using SSMS or .NET
- Migrate an existing database to Azure using a native SQL Server backup file, the Database Migration Assistant, or by importing a BACPAC file
- Secure your SQL Database
- Distribute your data globally using a geo-distributed database
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Samples
Find scripts to manage common tasks.