Introduction
Copying an Azure database to a local server can be helpful for various reasons, such as creating a local backup of your data or testing new development features. Microsoft SQL Server provides us with a feature by which we can create a copy of our Azure database in a local server. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to copy an Azure database into a local server.
Agenda for the Article
- What is Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
- Why Do We Need to Copy the Database
- How to Copy Database
What is Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio?
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is a software product that stores, manages and retrieves data in a relational database format. SQL Server is a powerful tool to manage data efficiently and securely. It is easy to use and creates highly scalable, secure, and reliable databases. SQL Server provides various database functionalities like transaction processing, data analysis, and business intelligence. Additionally, it supports SQL, T-SQL, and .NET programming languages.
SQL Server is a widely used RDBMS popular among businesses and organizations of all sizes. It is used for various applications, including transaction processing, business intelligence, and analytics. SQL Server supports features like high availability, security, scalability, and integration with other Microsoft technologies, such as .NET Framework and Microsoft Azure.
Why Do We Need to Copy Database?
Let us understand this with a real-case scenario. Suppose a developer is assigned the task of working on the database. The company does not want him to work in the cloud or live databases directly. Playing with the live database can cost in many ways. That is why we always create a copy of the cloud database in our local server for fast processing and lower database cost.
How to Copy a Database?
To create a copy, we need to follow the below given steps.
1. First of all, Open your SQL Server 2019 and connect to the Azure database by entering the proper credentials as given below,
![Connect Azure DB]()
2. The next step is to do right click on the database name and go to Tasks, and then Export Data-Tier Application
Tasks>Export Data-Tier Application
![Select Data Export]()
3. Now, It will generate a BACPAC file you need to save into your local folder. So select the location as given below,
![select BACPAC location]()
4. Now click on Next and do Finish
![Do finish]()
5. Now SSMS will take some time, depending upon the size of your database, to complete the extract operation as given below,
![data export completed]()
6. Now again, connect to your local server, as in step 1.
7. Do right-click on the Databases and then Import Data-Tier Application
![importDataApplication]()
8. Now select the location and BACPAC file you save in Step 3.
![selectBACPACFile]()
9. Now you will get the option to select the name of the new local database and click on Next
![selectDatabaseName]()
10. This is the last step in this process; you will see an operation completed screen given below,
![finishImportData]()
After the import process, you can verify the data in the local database by running queries or using SSMS.
Conclusion
We have explained how to copy an Azure SQL database into a local server. The process involves exporting the Azure SQL database to a BACPAC file, downloading the file to your local machine, and importing it into a local SQL Server instance. Copying an Azure database to a local server is a straightforward process that can be completed with just a few steps. Following the steps outlined above, you can create a local backup of your data or test new development features without affecting your live Azure database.
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