How do I copy SQL Azure database to my local development server?

Question

Does anyone know how I can copy a SQL Azure database to my development machine? I\'d like to stop paying to have a development database in the cloud, but it\'s the best way

Answer 1

In SQL Server Management Studio

Right click on the database you want to import, click Tasks > Export data-tier application, and export your database to a local .dacpac file.

In your local target SQL server instance, you can right click Databases > Import data-tier application, and once it's local, you can do things like backup and restore the database.

Answer 2

If anyone wants a free and effective option (and don't mind doing it manually) to backup database to Local then use schema and data comparison functionality built into the latest version Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 Community Edition (Free) or Professional / Premium / Ultimate edition. It works like a charm!

I have BizPark account with Azure and there is no way to backup database directly without paying. I found this option in VS works.

Answer is taken from https://stackoverflow.com/a/685073/6796187

Answer 3

Now you can use the SQL Server Management Studio to do this.

• Connect to the SQL Azure database.
• Right click the database in Object Explorer.
• Choose the option "Tasks" / "Deploy Database to SQL Azure".
• In the step named "Deployment Settings", select your local database connection.
• "Next" / "Next" / "Finish"...

Answer 4

In SQL Server 2016 Management Studio, the process for getting an azure database to your local machine has been streamlined.

Right click on the database you want to import, click Tasks > Export data-tier application, and export your database to a local .dacpac file.

In your local target SQL server instance, you can right click Databases > Import data-tier application, and once it's local, you can do things like backup and restore the database.

Answer 5

Hi I'm using the SQLAzureMW tool for SQLAzure DB migration and management. Very useful one. It was downloaded from codeplex, but currently it's not available the codeplex will be going to shutdown, the same application tool is now available in GttHub. This below link is explain how to use this tool and also available the Application for download.

https://github.com/twright-msft/azure-content/blob/master/articles/sql-database/sql-database-migration-wizard.md

Answer 6

I just wanted to add a simplified version of dumbledad's answer, since it is the correct one.

1. Export the Azure SQL Database to a BACPAC file on blob storage.
2. From inside SQL Management studio, right-click your database, click "import data-tier application".
3. You'll be prompted to enter the information to get to the BACPAC file on your Azure blob storage.
4. Hit next a couple times and... Done!