How to use MSSQL Server on ARM based Mac.

Microsoft SQL Server can be run on Linux, Windows but they may not work with Apple Mac/Mac mini. We can’t change a just DBMS for new OS, different platform .

The fact that Mac/Mac mini with M2 chip is ideal for Multi platform development. It is better alternative for Windows Machine, since you are looking for a desktop.

We have two options to consider for getting things work, a Virtual machine dedicated to MSSQL or just containerise the SQL server which is a better choice.

VM don’t like Mac, I tried Virtual Box and Parallel. VB didn’t start up correctly. In case Parallel it didn’t get installed.

So we move to the Docker option. Most of the docker images (ARM based MSSQL) designed for Intel Mac ? For Mac with M1 and M2 (Apple Silicon).

Wee needs to user Rosetta for the transition from Intel to New M1/M2. It work behind the seen.

For complete Guide on Containerising MSSQL Server visit this Post.

Access Docker MSSQL Container from Parallel (Mac Mini M2)

Docker not working with Windows 11 in Parallels. Is there any way to use MSSQL with Parallel ? Yes.

Using the Mac Network IP and container exposed port number, we can access the server (Docker) within MSQL Management Studio or in a connection strings, separated by a single comma

Where Did I get the IP ?

In System Settings – Network- Find the IP.

connectionString="Data Source=192.168.20.100,1433;Password=mssql1Ipw;User Id=sa;Initial Catalog=dolphinedb;Integrated Security=False" />

The above code is sample sql connection string. Thanks for Docker.

Mac Mini M2 for Windows Developers

I got Mac Mini M2 last Saturday, wow. I love the Machine it saved my Desk. It is the base Model , with 8GB ,250 GB SSD.

I would like to share some of my experiences With M2. It is incredibly fast.

Running Windows 11 with Parallel VM

I’am using Parallels 8.0.1 , successfully configured windows 11 and installed Microsoft Visual Studio and it work without any trouble. Parallels allow me switch between Windows Apps and Mac Apps with ease and peace.

I did find some kinda of hanging and black out while the Mac went to sleep and wake from sleep.

Following Not working for me – Parallels

MSSQL Server

Docker

Above mentioned Apps can’t run on VM. So I decided to run it from Docker container which is on the Mac.

Apple Silicon and Docker

Some of the Docker Images not working with M2, it could be designed for Intel chip. So we need Rosetta for using such Docker images.

Installing Rosetta

Rosetta is referred as translater for Intel Mac Apps. You need not worry about any thing at all. Just install and move on.

 softwareupdate --install-rosetta

For more guides on Rosetta please visit MacHow

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