[Complete Guide] How to Set Up SQL Database

Different types of databases

Before diving into the process of setting up an SQL database, it's essential to understand the different types of databases available. Databases come in various flavors, with SQL databases being a prominent choice. Other types include NoSQL databases, object-oriented databases, and more. SQL databases are relational databases, which means they use a structured schema to organize and manage data. This structure provides clear relationships between tables and is particularly useful when dealing with structured data, making it the preferred choice for many businesses.

Importance of a well-structured SQL database

A well-structured SQL database is of paramount importance in the realm of data management and is a foundation for robust and efficient information systems. Here are several key reasons why a well-structured SQL database is crucial:

• Data Integrity: This ensures that the data in the database is accurate, consistent, and reliable. It prevents duplicate records, data anomalies, and data corruption.
• Efficient Data Retrieval: SQL queries can quickly and accurately retrieve the required information, which is especially important when dealing with large datasets.
• Scalability: As data needs increase, you can extend the database schema, add new tables, and establish relationships without compromising performance or data integrity.

How to set up SQL database

Setting up an SQL database involves several steps, from selecting the right method to configuring and populating the database. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to create a SQL Server:

Use SQL Server Management Studio

1. In Object Explorer, establish a connection to a SQL Server Database Engine instance, and then expand it.

2. Right-click Databases, and then select New Database.

3. In New Database, enter a name for the database. You can proceed with the default settings by selecting OK, or follow the subsequent optional steps.

4. To change the owner’s name, select ... to select a different owner.

5. To modify the default values of the primary data and transaction log files, go to the Database files grid, select the relevant cell, and input the new value.

6. To adjust the collation of the database, navigate to the Options page and choose a collation from the provided list.

7. To change the recovery model, access the Options page and select a recovery model from the available options.

8. To change database options, select the Options page, and make the necessary changes to the database options.

9. To add a new filegroup, navigate to the Filegroups page. Click Add and input the required values for the filegroup.

10. To attach an extended property to the database, access the Extended Properties page.

• In the Name column, provide a name for the extended property.
• In the Value column, enter the extended property text. For instance, you can input one or more statements that describe the database.

11. To create the database with the specified settings, select OK.

Use Transact-SQL

1. Establish a connection to the Database Engine.

2. Choose New Query from the Standard bar.

Paste the provided example into the query window and then click Execute. This particular example generates a database named Sales. Notably, it doesn't employ the keyword PRIMARY, which results in the initial file (Sales_dat) being designated as the primary file. Additionally, for the Sales_dat file, the allocation is in megabytes as it doesn't specify MB or KB in the SIZE parameter. Meanwhile, the Sales_log file explicitly allocates space in megabytes due to the presence of the MB suffix in the SIZE parameter.

USE master;

GO

CREATE DATABASE Sales ON

(NAME = Sales_dat,

FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\saledat.mdf',

SIZE = 10,

MAXSIZE = 50,

FILEGROWTH = 5)

LOG ON

(NAME = Sales_log,

FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\salelog.ldf',

SIZE = 5 MB,

MAXSIZE = 25 MB,

FILEGROWTH = 5 MB);

GO

Safeguard your SQL database with AOMEI Cyber Backup

Once you've established your SQL database, data security and backup become top priorities. Data loss or corruption can be catastrophic, potentially resulting in financial losses or compromised business operations. AOMEI Cyber Backup offers a robust solution for backing up your SQL database. With its advanced features, including scheduled backups, system cloning, and real-time file synchronization, this software ensures that your data is safe and can be restored quickly in case of unforeseen events.

AOMEI Cyber Backup supports Microsoft SQL 2005-2022, including SQL Express. Here’s a 30-day free trial for you to enjoy this professional software:

✍ Before you perform a database backup, please make sure:
1. Your computer with both AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent and Microsoft SQL Server installed.
2. The local disk or network shared to store backup files.

Prerequisite for backup

• Add device: Navigate to Source Device >> Add Microsoft SQL. If the database exists and the version is supported, it will appear automatically.

• Choose Authentication: Click … >> Authentication to validate the database instance. You can choose Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication. Enter the credentials and clickVerify.

Steps to backup and restore SQL database with ease

1. Create backup task: Click Backup Task >> Create New Task, and select Microsoft SQL Backup as your backup type.

2. Device Name: Click Device Name to select SQL instance and database for backup. You have the flexibility to select the quantity of databases you wish to back up based on your specific requirements.

3. Backup Target: Specify a local path or network path as backup target. To back up SQL database to remote location, you could click Add a new network storage. The added path will be saved in Add storage.

4. Schedule (optional): Set up a schedule to run the SQL database backup daily/weekly/monthly, and set the backup method as Full/Incremental/Differential.

5. Start Backup: You can choose to Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only and click Start Backup to execute SQL server automatic backup.

6. Restore from backup: Click Backup Task on the left menu bar, locate the task you want to restore, and click … >> Restore. You can specify the target location by choosing Restore to original location or Restore to new location.

Conclusion

Setting up an SQL database is a crucial step for efficient data management. By following the steps about how to create database in SQL Server Management Studio or Transact-SQL, you can create a structured and well-organized database that meets your specific needs.

Furthermore, with AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can secure your data and maintain business continuity by ensuring your valuable database is protected and recoverable. Don't wait—start setting up your SQL database and fortify its security today. Your data's integrity and safety depend on it