A few weeks ago, I wanted to test out a problem for SQL Server within a virtual machine, but then I thought: "Why not on Linux? That's what I've been wanting to try for ages and I could do it on Docker which I also wanted to try for ages". I've put it aside thinking that this could take quite some time until I've done it.
I was wrong. It is surprisingly easy to get a docker image by Microsoft. Since Microsoft already has a tutorial for this, I am just going to point to this tutorial and give more links for this really neat stuff! This small collection of links will make sure that you will see the most important sites you need for this.
- The first link is a tutorial by Microsoft: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/linux/quickstart-install-connect-docker?view=sql-server-ver15&pivots=cs1-bash
- If you prefer to watch a youtube video done by an expert, watch the video by Microsoft Data Platform MVP Grant Fritchey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHI3fxoS5kw
- Keep in mind that this docker image runs on Linux, so SQL Server also runs on Linux. While this is possible, it comes with some limitations though: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/linux/sql-server-linux-editions-and-components-2019?view=sql-server-ver15#Unsupported
- There is also a FAQ by Microsoft as to questions like licensing etc: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/linux/sql-server-linux-faq?view=sql-server-ver15
Have fun!