While this is still a viable option today, SQL Server 2017 has provided you with new option: Install SQL Server via Docker - without needing to purchase Windows.

To do this, you had to create the virtual machine, purchase Windows and install it onto that virtual machine, and then finally install SQL Server. The only way you could run SQL Server on a Mac was to use a virtual machine such as VirtualBox, Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or Bootcamp running the Windows operating system. Prior to its 2017 release, SQL Server wasn't available for the Mac. Why do we need to use Docker to run SQL Server? Containers isolate software from its surroundings, for example differences between development and staging environments and help reduce conflicts between teams running different software on the same infrastructure.īut as we can see with SQL Server, Docker can also be used to download and run software on a platform that wouldn't normally be able to run that software (such as running SQL Server on a Mac or Linux). Because the software is running in its own isolated environment, all configuration settings are already included in the container.ĭocker is a popular option for development environments, where software can be developed and tested without having to worry about whether all computers are configured the same. The main benefit of Docker containers is that they enable us to run software across different computer systems without encountering configuration issues. It achieves this through the use of 'containers'.Īs explained on the Docker website: A container image is a lightweight, stand-alone, executable package of a piece of software that includes everything needed to run it: code, runtime, system tools, system libraries, settings. What Exactly is Docker?ĭocker is a platform that enables software to run in its own isolated environment. Now that you've installed Docker and increased its memory allocation, you can go ahead and install SQL Server on your Mac.

Select Advanced (if it's not already selected).

Select Preferences from the little Docker icon in the top menu.

Increase it to 4GB (to be on the safe side).

Therefore you should increase this allocation to allow SQL Server to run. SQL Server needs at least 3.25GB to run, but Docker only allocates 2GB by default.

Memory allocated to docker on mac