Running Microsoft SQL Server in Docker | VS Code MSSQL Extension

In this article we will learn about the Running Microsoft SQL Server in Docker | VS Code MSSQL Extension. Setting up a Microsoft SQL Server instance used to be a time-consuming operation that involved a complete installation and system-level configuration. However, thanks to Docker, we can now launch a fully functional SQL Server instance in minutes, without damaging our system environment. Please read my previous article on How to run ASP.Net Core Web Application in Docker Container.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to:

• Run SQL Server in Docker (cross-platform),
• Connect to it using the VS Code MSSQL Extension, and
• Perform basic operations inside the lightweight development setup.

Docker containers provide an isolated and consistent environment for PostgreSQL, which is refreshing. Say goodbye to conflicts and hello to consistency at various phases of development and deployment. It’s like having a dependable, well-behaved buddy for your database requirements.

To install SQL Server in Docker, you can follow these general steps. Please note that the commands and steps are based on Windows. These instructions assume you have Docker installed on your machine.

Pull the SQL Server Docker Image:

Open a terminal or command prompt and run the following command to pull the SQL Server Docker image from the official Microsoft repository:

docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server

Run a SQL Server Container

We’ll need Docker Desktop installed and running. Then, run the following command to pull and start a SQL Server container. Use the following command to run a SQL Server container. Replace [PASSWORD] with a strong password for the SA (System Administrator) account. You can also customize other parameters like the container name, port, and environment variables:

docker run -e "ACCEPT_EULA=Y" -e "MSSQL_SA_PASSWORD={YourPasswordGoesHere}" -p 1433:1433 --name sql_server  -v sql_data:/var/opt/mssql -d mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server

• ACCEPT_EULA=Y: Accepts Microsoft’s license agreement.
• SA_PASSWORD: The strong password for the sa (system admin) user.
• -p 1433:1433: Exposes port 1433 to connect from host.
• --name sqlserver: Container name.
• -d: Detached mode (runs in background).

Connect to SQL Server:

Once the container is running, you can connect to SQL Server using a SQL Server client or tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio. Connect to the server using the following details:

• Server: localhost,1433
• Username: sa
• Password: Here I have set Admin@123

Here, I’m using VS Code Extension to connect the SQL Server that is running in docker.

Install the VS Code MSSQL Extension

Open Visual Studio Code and install the “SQL Server (mssql)” extension by Microsoft:

• Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
• Search for: mssql
• Install the extension

This extension allows you to connect, run SQL queries, and manage databases — all from within VS Code.

Connect to SQL Server from VS Code

1. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or F1)
2. Search: MS SQL: Connect
3. Enter connection details:
   • Server: localhost
   • Port: 1433
   • User: sa
   • Password: Your_password123
   • Database: Leave blank to connect to default (master)

After clicking connect we would successfully connect the SQL Server that is running in docker.

Basic SQL Operations

Create a new file like demo.sql and start with basic queries:

CREATE DATABASE DemoDB;
GO

USE DemoDB;
GO

CREATE TABLE Employees (
    Id INT PRIMARY KEY IDENTITY,
    Name NVARCHAR(50),
    Role NVARCHAR(50)
);
GO

INSERT INTO Employees (Name, Role)
VALUES ('Alice', 'Developer'), ('Bob', 'DBA');
GO

SELECT * FROM Employees;

• If you want to stop the container, use the following command

docker stop sql_server

• To remove the container (after stopping it), use

docker rm sql_server

• If you need to start the container again, use:

docker start sql_server

Keep in mind that this is a basic setup, and you may wish to investigate more advanced settings based on your unique needs, such as mounting disks for persistent data storage and specifying extra environment variables. Always consult the official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date information and best practices.

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Conclusion

In this article we discussed about the Running Microsoft SQL Server in Docker | VS Code MSSQL Extension. Setting up a Microsoft SQL Server instance used to be a time-consuming operation that involved a complete installation and system-level configuration.

Leave behind your valuable queries and suggestions in the comment section below. Also, if you think this article helps you, do not forget to share this with your developer community. Happy Coding 🙂

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