Run Microsoft SQL Server on a Mac (M1/M2)

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates how to run Microsoft SQL Server on an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2) using Docker, bypassing the limitations of native installation. The process involves setting up Docker with the Rosetta feature to emulate an x86 environment, installing SQL Server in a Docker container, and connecting to it via a Windows 11 virtual machine using SQL Server Management Studio. This setup allows Mac users to run SQL Server efficiently for development, learning, or business intelligence purposes, offering a practical workaround for running SQL Server on Apple hardware.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microsoft SQL Server is widely used in industries and is crucial for business intelligence, data analysis, and databases.
• 😀 Microsoft SQL Server runs on Windows operating systems with x86 architecture, so it doesn’t natively run on Apple Silicon (M1/M2 chips).
• 😀 To run SQL Server on an Apple Silicon system, users can use virtual machines or Docker containers.
• 😀 An easier solution is to install Docker on a Mac and use it to run SQL Server in a container, allowing for compatibility with Apple Silicon.
• 😀 After installing Docker, enable the Rosetta emulation to allow running x86 environments on Apple Silicon.
• 😀 You can run SQL Server in Docker, using a strong password (which should be changed to something more secure).
• 😀 To access SQL Server, the IP address of the Mac should be used, and the connection should be made through a Windows 11 virtual machine (VM) using tools like SQL Server Management Studio.
• 😀 A virtual machine in Parallels can be used to run Microsoft tools like SQL Server Management Studio to manage the SQL Server running in the Docker container.
• 😀 You can create and manage databases from the virtual machine by connecting to the Docker container running on your Mac.
• 😀 The setup allows for learning, development, and study of SQL Server on a Mac, though it's important to note that the database engine and management tools are on different virtualized environments.

Q & A

Can Microsoft SQL Server run natively on Apple Silicon (M1 or M2) Macs?

No, Microsoft SQL Server is designed to run on Windows operating systems on x86 architecture, so it cannot be installed natively on Apple Silicon Macs.

What is one method to run SQL Server on an Apple Silicon Mac?

One method is to use Docker to run an x86 version of SQL Server in a container on the Mac. The Docker environment can emulate x86 architecture using Rosetta, which enables SQL Server to run.

How can you install Docker on a Mac with Apple Silicon?

To install Docker on a Mac with Apple Silicon, you download the DMG file from Docker's website, mount it, and then drag the application into the 'Applications' folder.

What should you do in Docker's settings for it to run an x86 environment?

In Docker's settings, go to 'Features in Development' and enable Rosetta, which allows Docker to run in an x86 emulation environment on Apple Silicon Macs.

What is the significance of using the Rosetta feature in Docker?

Rosetta allows Docker to emulate an x86 environment, enabling software like SQL Server, which is designed for x86 architecture, to run on Apple Silicon Macs.

What is the role of a Docker container in running SQL Server on an Apple Silicon Mac?

The Docker container runs the x86 version of SQL Server in an emulated environment, allowing SQL Server to operate on the Mac despite its native architecture being incompatible.

How do you connect to a SQL Server instance running in Docker on a Mac?

You connect to the SQL Server running in Docker by using the IP address of your Mac and the login credentials, typically including a username like 'sa' and a password set during the Docker container setup.

What is the purpose of using a Windows 11 virtual machine (VM) in this setup?

The Windows 11 virtual machine is used to run SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and other Microsoft tools to manage and interact with the SQL Server instance running in Docker on the Mac.

What is the difference between running SQL Server in a Docker container versus a self-contained virtual machine?

Running SQL Server in a Docker container allows the SQL Server engine to run on the Mac, while management tools are accessed through a Windows VM. In contrast, a self-contained virtual machine would run both SQL Server and management tools within a single VM.

What are the benefits of setting up SQL Server this way on a Mac?

This setup allows Mac users to run SQL Server for development, learning, and study purposes without needing a native Windows environment. It is a convenient way to simulate SQL Server operations on a non-Windows machine.

Can the SQL Server setup in Docker be used for production environments?

This setup is primarily for development and educational purposes. While it can work for testing and learning, it is not recommended for production environments due to performance and stability considerations.