BeginnerFree
Azure SQL Free Starter
A cloud-hosted SQL Database offering 100k vCore seconds/month for free.
Recommended Edition
Azure SQL Database (Free Tier)
Version
Cloud v12
Best For
Cloud-native learning and tiny apps
Required Components
- Azure Subscription
- Azure Portal/SSMS
Optional Add-ons
- Azure Monitor
Hardware / Cloud Recommendations
- N/A - Fully Managed
Licensing Notes
Free tier limits apply. Standard rates apply if limits exceeded.
Backup Recommendation
Automated by Azure (Geo-redundant available).
Monitoring Recommendation
Azure Metrics and Insights.
SQLDevDBA's Take
A great sandbox for anyone who wants to explore Azure SQL without committing to a paid tier. Don't build anything mission-critical on it, but for learning the cloud ropes it's hard to beat.
Startup Checklist
- Create or log into your Azure subscription at portal.azure.com
- Provision the Azure SQL resource via the Azure Portal
- Configure Azure Firewall rules to allow your client connections
- Connect via SSMS or Visual Studio Code (with mssql extension) using Entra ID or SQL Authentication
- Verify automated backup retention settings in the Azure Portal
Security Checklist
- Configure Azure Firewall rules and allowed IP ranges
- Enable Entra ID (Azure AD) Authentication
- Disable SQL Authentication where possible
Additional (Optional) Checklist
- Install dbatools PowerShell module (dbatools.io) for automation and migrations
- Install Brent Ozar's First Responder Kit (sp_Blitz, sp_BlitzFirst, sp_BlitzIndex)
- Install Adam Machanic's sp_WhoIsActive for real-time active session monitoring
- Install Erik Darling's performance scripts (sp_PressureDetector, sp_HumanEvents)
- Install Ola Hallengren's Maintenance Solution for backups, integrity checks, and index maintenance
Architecture Diagram
Available in the Pro tier. Visual diagrams for every setup.