SQList uses a standard TCP connection to connect to a SQL database. The way a database connection is configured is the same whether connecting to a local instance of SQL Server or to SQL Azure, meaning: you will need to specify a server instance, a database name, select an authentication type and the credentials.
However, there are a few things to be aware of if the SQL server is not configured with default settings; particularly with regard to the server instance.
Connection to a SQL Server instance installed on the same machine on which SQList is installed
To set up a connection to a SQL Server instance installed on the same machine on which SQList is installed, you can usually use "localhost" as the server name.
Remember to specify the instance name, if pointing to a named instance, and the port number in case the SQL Server is configured to listen to a different port than the standard 1443.
These are some examples of "Server Name\Instance" for a localhost:
- localhost (points to the default instance of SQL Server installed on the local machine);
- localhost\sqlexpress (points to the "sqlexpress" instance of SQL Server installed on the local machine);
- localhost,1234 (points to the default instance of SQL Server installed on the local machine using port 1234).
Connection to a SQL Server instance installed on a remote machine
To set up a connection to a SQL Server instance installed on a remote machine on which SQList is installed, you can use the remote machine's DNS name, or IP address.
If the remote SQL Server uses a named instance and/or a non standard port, these must be specified in the same way described above.
These are some examples of "Server Name\Instance" for a a remote SQLServer:
- dataserver01 (points to a machine with DNS name "dataserver01");
- dataserver01\instance1 (points to the "instance1" instance of SQL Server installed on the machine "dataserver01");
- dataserver01\instance1,1234 (points to the "instance1" instance of SQL Server installed on the machine "dataserver01 using port 1234).
In the cases above, the name "dataserver01" can be replaced by the IP address of the remote machine; e.g.:
- 123.123.123.123\instance1,1234
Connection to SQL Azure
When setting us a connection to a SQL Azure database, there are two aspect to pay particular attention to:
- ensure that you enter the Server Name\Instance in the correct format;
- configure the the Azure firewall to allow the connection to your database.
For step 1, ensure you use the format:
tcp:<server_name>.database.windows.net,<port_number>
The best way to make sure you use the correct format for the server name and instance, is to copy&paste it directly from the Azure portal, as shown in this screenshots:
For step 2, you need to know the IP address of the machine running SQList; once again there is a shortcut.
One you have entered the connection details in SQList, click the "Test connection" button; this will show an error message like the one show below, where you can see the IP address that requires access:
Go back to your Azure portal, select your database, then Overview then "Set server firewall". You will be presented with the option to enter an IP range to be allowed through the firewall; enter you IP as shown in the screenshot below and save the changes.
At this point, run the "Test connection" again in SQList and you should receive the message of a successful connection.