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What is the difference between Azure SQL server and Azure SQL database?
Hope this is the right place for asking, question is in the title.
I see two resources in my portal, one is "SQL database", the other "SQL server" verbatim.
I think both were created when I used "Create SQL Database".
2 Replies
This page talk a bit the difference between them:
- Well the Azure SQL database is the actual database you interact with, with tables and all. When dealing with Azure SQL Databases, a 'SQL Server' is also known as a logical server - which is like a control center for managing a group of databases. Its not like a windows server based on-site SQL Server instance. Instead, you use it manage things like networking, system/user assigned identities for a group of databases, failover groups for a set of databases, access control to manage a group of databases from the azure portal.
Before you can create a database, you need to have a logical server to associate it to. This server can be located anywhere, but all databases it manages must be in the same region as the server itself.
When you look at the "SQL Server" you'll see the Azure SQL Database you created associated with it. And in the future when you create additional databases, you can associate it with that same logical server.
If you want to know more information about what a Azure SQL Database "SQL Server" (Logical server) is you can read more at the following documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/logical-servers?view=azuresql&tabs=portal
