An SQL database is a structured collection of data that uses SQL (Structured Query Language) for managing and querying the data. SQL databases are relational, meaning they organize data into tables, which can be related to each other through keys. They are known for their ability to handle large volumes of structured data efficiently and provide robust querying capabilities.
Configuring an SQL database involves several steps, from installation and setup to creating databases and users. Below is a comprehensive guide to configuring SQL databases, specifically using Microsoft SQL server or MySQL as an example. The process is similar to other SQL databases like PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle.
Install SQL Server (Microsoft SQL)
configuration of SQL databases involves various steps depending on the kind of SQL server being used. These steps range from enabling user access to defining database storage restrictions and are crucial to efficiently managing data.
The first step involves installing the SQL Server software on your local device.
1. Install the Microsoft SQL server using the link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/sql-server/sql-server-downloads
2. Choose and download either of the specialized editions:
- Developer
- Express
3. Run the downloaded file and select any of the installation types.
Read and accept the license terms and privacy statement.
4. Select a location for the installation of the SQL server.
Ensure appropriate database drivers are installed on the machines that interact with the SQL server, allowing seamless connection and communication of applications with the database.
Installation of SSMS
Management tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) can be used to create new databases. Specify important details like file location, recovery model, etc.
Download the SSMS tool and proceed with the installation as shown below.
Sample Database
Download a sample database or create one. Use tables and schemas to define the structure of your data. In the hierarchy, the tables consist of columns (data attributes) and rows (data entries). Tables further constitute schemas for better data organization.
For reference, we have used the AdventureWorks SQL sample database from Git Hub.
Placement of Database files in the Backup Directory
Meanwhile, place the downloaded sample SQL database in the following directory location within the SQL server program files:.
Restore The Backup
To add the newly added database to the SQL setup, proceed to run the SSMS tool from your Windows machine.
Authentication
SSMS involves authentication to enable user access to the database. This is done by creating logins and assigning users with relevant permissions.
1. Use the following two methods for authentication:
- Windows Authentication: Use the existing Windows user accounts to configure database access. This eases the authentication process but requires appropriate user account management on the Windows system.
- SQL Server Authentication: Users can be created directly within the SQL Server instance using this option and be authenticated using a username and password.
2. Browse for more options and locations. Click Connect to establish the connection.
3. Scroll over to check different sections provided in the tool: Login, Connection Properties, Always Encrypted, and Additional Connection Parameters.
- Logins: Further access to the database can be restricted by assigning permissions to log in for different user accounts.
- User Roles: You can configure roles that have group-specific permissions. Users can simply be assigned these roles instead of individual user permissions.
4. Once logged in, check the given Databases within your Windows machine from the left pane on SSMS.
5. Right-click on the Databases and select Restore Database.
A new window appears.
6. Select a listed Database or device (as shown below). Another window prompts you to select backup devices.
7. Click Add, which leads to another window where the newly placed database can be seen.
8. Click OK. The name of the database file gets visible, with the done status on the left.
9. Click OK.
A message appears indicating the successful restoration of the database.
10. Click OK.
The newly added database now appears restored and added in the left pane of SSMS.
FAQs
Q1. What is an SQL server?
Answer: SQL Server is the RDBMS system provided by Microsoft which functions mainly as a retrieval and storage system for data as per user request. Sometimes it is mistakenly referred to as SQL, but both are different, as SQL is a language, whereas SQL Server is a Microsoft product that supports SQL.
Q2. What are the 5 basic SQL commands?
Answer: These SQL commands are mainly categorized into five categories:
- DDL (Data Definition Language).
- DQL (Data Query Language).
- DML (Data Manipulation Language).
- DCL (Data Control Language).
- TCL (Transaction Control Language).
Q3. Which server is used for SQL?
Answer: Microsoft’s SQL Server is a popular database software for database-driven websites with high traffic. SQL Server is a very powerful, robust, and full-featured SQL database system.
Q4. What is the query in SQL?
Answer: A query is a question or inquiry about a set of data. We use Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve meaningful and relevant information from databases. When building a structure, we pull data from tables and fields. The fields are columns in the database table, while the actual data makes up the rows.
Q5. What is the query in SQL?
Answer: A query is a question or inquiry about a set of data. We use Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve meaningful and relevant information from databases. When building a structure, we pull data from tables and fields. The fields are columns in the database table, while the actual data makes up the rows.
Q6. What is a unique key in SQL?
Answer: Unique key definition: A unique key is a column or set of columns that prevents duplicate values in a column and can store NULL values. Unlike a primary key column, a table can have multiple unique key columns. This key is similar to the primary key, except that the unique key column can store one NULL value.
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