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Introduction to Azure SQL Database for Beginners

Name: Introduction to Azure SQL Database for Beginners
Rating: 4.4 (4052 reviews)

Create and connect to Azure SQL Database with SSMS, explore management tasks, and compare deployment options.

Created byArtemakis Artemiou

Last updated 9/2026

English

English [Auto],Spanish [Auto],

What you'll learn

What is Azure Portal and how to use it
How to create and configure your first database on Azure SQL Database
How to configure and manage firewall rules
How to access your Azure SQL Database from on-premises client tools such as SSMS
How to manage your Azure SQL Database Server
How to create and configure an Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine
How to access your Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine using RDP and SSMS

Course content

10 sections • 60 lectures • 8h 21m total length

Introduction4:04
This is the introduction to the course. We will talk about how this course is structured and what will you learn after completing this course.
Azure Terminology - The Main Terms4:54
In this lecture, we will discuss about the main terminology that is used in the Azure cloud.

Section Overview0:32
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
What are the Available SQL Deployment Options in Azure?4:10
In this lecture, we will be discussing about the available SQL deployment options in the Azure Cloud, that is Azure SQL Database, SQL Server on Virtual Machines, and Azure SQL Managed Instance.
Creating the SQL Database and Server21:11
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be creating our Azure SQL Database and logical server.
Firewall Settings7:45
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will see how we can set the firewall settings in order to be able to access our SQL Database on Azure.
Section Recap1:49
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
Creating your First Azure SQL Database

Section Overview0:51
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Accessing SQL Database from within Azure Portal11:09
Via this lecture and live demonstration, you will learn how to access your Azure SQL Database from within the Azure Portal.
Accessing SQL Database from SQL Server Management Studio14:47
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be accessing our Azure SQL Database from our on-premises SQL Server Management Studio.
Legacy: Accessing SQL Database from Azure Data Studio10:11
2026 Update: Azure Data Studio was retired on 28 February 2026 and is no longer a supported Microsoft tool.
This lecture is retained as an optional legacy demonstration showing how Azure SQL Database was accessed from an on-premises client using Azure Data Studio.
You do not need to install Azure Data Studio or reproduce this demonstration to continue with the course. For current practice, use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or another supported Microsoft SQL client.
Section Recap1:46
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
Accessing Azure SQL Database

Section Overview2:08
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Azure SQL Server Management Components6:34
In this lecture, we will be discussing about the Azure SQL database Server Management Components. Then, for each component, dedicated lectures follow.
Azure SQL Server Dashboard, Activity Logs and Access Control11:30
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Dashboard, Activity Logs and Access Control components.
Azure SQL Server Settings12:59
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with Azure SQL Server settings.
Azure SQL Server Data Management21:21
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Data Management components.
Azure SQL Server Security21:01
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Security components and Azure Security Center.
Azure SQL Server Intelligent Performance3:43
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Intelligent Performance components.
Azure SQL Server Monitoring5:18
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Monitoring components.
Azure SQL Server Automation2:07
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Server Automation components.
Azure SQL Server Support & Troubleshooting3:46
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about the Azure SQL Server Support and Troubleshooting options.
Creating SQL Users for an Azure SQL Database10:52
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be creating additional SQL users in our Azure SQL Database Server.
Section Recap2:27
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
Managing your Azure SQL Database Server

Section Overview1:42
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Azure SQL Database Dashboard and Management Components3:03
In this lecture, we will be discussing about the Azure SQL Database Components.
Overview, Activity Log, Tags and Query Editor12:35
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Database Overview dialog and the Activity Log, Tags and Query Editor components
Power Platform4:51
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about the Power Platform functionality, available for use in Azure SQL Database.
Azure SQL Database Settings8:05
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Database Settings.
Azure SQL Database Data Management8:30
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Database Data Management features.
Azure SQL Database Integrations1:59
In this lecture, we will be discussing about the Integration features in Azure SQL Database.
Azure SQL Database Security26:38
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Database Security features.
Azure SQL Database Intelligent Performance21:47
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Intelligent Performance features for Azure SQL Database.
Azure SQL Database Monitoring20:00
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with monitoring components for Azure SQL Database.
Azure SQL Database Automation5:22
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about and work with the Azure SQL Database Automation features.
Support + Troubleshooting11:02
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about the Support and Troubleshooting options for Azure SQL Database.
Section Recap1:54
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
Managing your Azure SQL Database

Section Overview2:16
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Let’s Create an Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine41:24
Via this lecture and live demonstration, you will learn how to create an Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine (VM).
Set the Firewall Rules for Virtual Machine and SQL Server12:29
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be discussing about the Firewall Rules for the Virtual Machine and the SQL Server instance.
Accessing the Virtual Machine via RDP8:33
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be accessing our Azure SQL Server virtual machine, via RDP from our on-premises client PC.
Accessing the Virtual Machine SQL Instance via SQL Server Management Studio8:52
In this lecture and live demonstration, we will be accessing the SQL Server instance on our Azure SQL Server virtual machine, via SQL Server Management Studio from our on-premises client PC.
Legacy: Accessing the Virtual Machine SQL Instance via Azure Data Studio9:53
2026 Update: Azure Data Studio was retired on 28 February 2026 and is no longer a supported Microsoft tool.
This lecture is retained as an optional legacy demonstration showing how a SQL Server instance hosted on an Azure virtual machine was accessed remotely from an on-premises client using Azure Data Studio.
You do not need to install Azure Data Studio or reproduce this demonstration to continue with the course. For current practice, use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or another supported Microsoft SQL client.
Section Recap2:45
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
Creating and Accessing an Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine

Tips on SQL Server Agent Functionality in Azure SQL Database0:30
This special topic, is a short tip on how you can have SQL Server Agent functionality in Azure SQL Database.
How to Enable Stretch Database in SQL Server15:35
In this special topic, we will talk about Stretch Database in SQL Server and via a comprehensive live demonstration, we will see how it is possible via the Stretch Database technology, to store a database table on Azure SQL Database, while being able to access it from your on-premises SQL Server database.
Installing Multiple SQL Server Instances on a Single Azure VM12:10
In this special topic, you will learn how you can install additional SQL Server instances on an Azure SQL Virtual Machine.
Migrating a SQL Server Database from On-Premises to the Azure Cloud (New)29:40
In this special topic, you will learn how to migrate a SQL Server database, from on-premises to the Azure cloud.
Azure-Related Enhancements in SQL Server3:28
In this special topic, we will be discussing about the Azure-related features added in the different SQL Server versions over the years, and why the features added in SQL Server 2022, make this version of SQL Server the most Azure-enabled release of SQL Server yet.
Azure Synapse Link in SQL Server4:23
In this special topic, we will be discussing about Azure Synapse Link for SQL Server 2022 and how it can easily provide near real-time analytics and reporting capabilities, using the power of the Azure Synapse Analytics platform.
An Exploration of Azure SQL Database Elastic Pools3:21
In this lecture, we'll be discussing more about Azure SQL Database Elastic pools.
How to Reset Your SQL Server Admin Password on Azure3:30
In this special topic, you'll be learning how to reset your SQL Server admin password on Azure in case is needed.
How to Choose the Right Azure SQL Option2:48
This lecture, will help you understand how to choose the best Azure SQL deployment option for your real-world needs.
Common Pitfalls and Best Practices in Azure SQL for Beginners2:49
In this session, I’ll walk you through practical mistakes that many beginners make—and more importantly, how to avoid them. Let's turn those challenges into learning opportunities.
Disaster Recovery Concepts in Azure SQL3:08
In this lecture, you'll be learning why disaster recovery matters, what the built-in high availabilty options are in Azure SQL, backup and restore options, and more.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of SQL Server and Databases
Willingness and excitement to learn something new!

Description

You know the basics of SQL Server and want to understand how to work with a database in Azure. The first useful milestone is straightforward: create a database, configure the required access, and connect through SQL Server Management Studio.

This course helps you follow that route and understand the decisions around it. We begin with the Azure terminology you need, then move into database creation, connectivity and management. The explanations connect each task to its purpose, so you can understand what you are configuring and why it matters.

You will follow demonstrations of Azure SQL Database and explore management areas such as access, monitoring, data protection and performance. You will also examine how Azure SQL Database (PaaS) differs from running SQL Server on an Azure virtual machine (IaaS). The virtual-machine material provides a separate path for learners who need to understand that deployment approach.

The recommended learning route identifies the core sequence and the optional reference topics. Historical demonstrations are clearly marked so that you can distinguish them from the tools and workflows recommended for current practice. Start with the core database route, then return to the deeper management material as your learning needs become more specific.

This is an introductory course for learners with basic SQL Server and database knowledge. It is not certification preparation or a complete production architecture program. Following cloud demonstrations may require an Azure subscription and can incur charges; review the resources you create and remove practice resources when you no longer need them.

My approach is to explain each concept in clear language and connect it to a task or decision. By the end, you should have a more structured understanding of creating, accessing and managing Azure SQL Database, together with a clear basis for deciding what to study next.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the role of an Azure SQL Database and its logical server.
Follow the process of creating an Azure SQL Database.
Configure the demonstrated connectivity and firewall settings.
Connect to the database using SQL Server Management Studio.
Identify relevant access, monitoring and database-management tasks.
Distinguish Azure SQL Database from SQL Server on an Azure virtual machine.

What Other Learners Say About the Course:

"It was very straight forward and easy to understand."
"The updated course is great! The live demos explain things in simple words, in a step by step manner, making it easier for me to learn Azure SQL."
"I really enjoyed the course. The instructor clearly explains all the concepts and the live demonstrations are very useful."
"A quick and very good start with Azure SQL Server and Database."
"This is a good course i found. Whoever wants to professionally learn and apply on job all the skills here, can easily do that after this course. SQL to Azure migration is ongoing market skill and major requirement. This course shows all steps how to make it possible"

After the Course:

You will be able to navigate in Azure Portal and create, manage and use resources and services.
You will be able to create and configure your first Azure SQL Database Server and database (platform as a service – PaaS).
You will be able to configure and manage firewall settings.
You will be able to access your Azure SQL Database using your on-premises tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Azure Data Studio.
You will be able to manage your Azure SQL Database Server.
You will be able to create and configure Azure SQL Server Virtual Machines (infrastructure as a service - IaaS)
You will be able to connect to your Azure SQL Server virtual machine via:
- RDP (Windows access)
- SQL Server Management Studio (SQL access)

Requirements:

Basic SQL Server and database knowledge.
For optional hands-on replication, access to appropriate SQL client tools and an Azure subscription with permission to create the demonstrated resources.

Audience:

SQL Server learners, developers and database professionals beginning with Azure SQL Database. The course is not intended as advanced performance engineering or an exam-preparation course.

This Course Contains/Offers:

8+ hours of high-quality video lectures and guides
Step by step live demonstrations and guides that can help you get started with Azure SQL Database
Downloadable resources with useful information and links
Useful quizzes for testing your knowledge on each section
A major practice test in the end of the course
Ability to ask the instructor questions via the Q&A section
Certificate on course completion

Who this course is for:

IT Professionals
Database Administrators
Database Developers
SQL Server Engineers
Technology Managers

Introduction to Azure SQL Database for Beginners

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 9min

Introducing the Azure Portal3 lectures • 11min

Creating your First Azure SQL Database5 lectures • 35min

Accessing Azure SQL Database5 lectures • 39min

Managing your Azure SQL Database Server12 lectures • 1hr 44min

Managing your Azure SQL Database13 lectures • 2hr 7min

Creating and Accessing an Azure SQL Server Virtual Machine7 lectures • 1hr 26min

Special Topics (Updated)11 lectures • 1hr 21min

Putting it All Together1 lecture • 5min

Learning More1 lecture • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: