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Database: SQL Server

Summary

Use SQL Server or Azure SQL when you want enterprise-grade relational features, mature tooling, and straightforward operational workflows.

Outcome

After completing this guide, SkyCMS will connect to SQL Server or Azure SQL and use it as the primary relational data store.

Steps

  1. Set ConnectionStrings__ApplicationDbContextConnection in appsettings.json or as an environment variable with the server, database, and authentication values.
  2. Review the common configuration patterns below for SQL Server and Azure SQL.
  3. Start or restart SkyCMS to apply the configuration.
  4. Complete the setup wizard if this is a fresh installation.
  5. Verify the connection using the checklist below.

Required settings

Set ConnectionStrings:ApplicationDbContextConnection with server, database, and authentication values.

Example configuration

Common patterns include:

  • local trusted connection,
  • Azure SQL with Encrypt=True and explicit credentials.

Validation checklist

  • application starts successfully,
  • sign-in and content save work,
  • publish flow completes without database errors,
  • firewall and authentication settings allow runtime connectivity.

Connection troubleshooting

  • authentication errors: validate user/password or integrated auth context,
  • certificate issues in development: review trust/certificate settings,
  • network issues: verify firewall and SQL endpoint access.