1. Evaluate System Requirements First
Before selecting a SQL Server version for Ubuntu, ensure your system meets the minimum hardware and OS requirements. All versions require at least 2GB of RAM (4GB+ recommended for production), 6GB of disk space, and an x64 processor. For file systems, XFS or EXT4 is preferred. These requirements vary slightly by version—older versions like SQL Server 2017 may support older Ubuntu releases but have stricter hardware limits.
2. Match Ubuntu Version Compatibility
Each SQL Server version has specific Ubuntu release requirements:
- SQL Server 2017 (14.x): Supports Ubuntu 16.04 and 16.10 (older LTS versions, suitable for legacy systems).
- SQL Server 2019 (15.x): Supports Ubuntu 18.04 and 20.04 (widely used LTS versions, balanced compatibility).
- SQL Server 2022 (16.x): Supports Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 (latest LTS versions, optimized for modern systems).
- SQL Server 2025 (17.x) Preview: Currently supports Ubuntu 22.04 (preview) and 24.04 (early support).
Always choose a SQL Server version that aligns with your Ubuntu release to avoid compatibility issues.
3. Choose Based on Environment Needs
- Production Environments: Opt for the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) versions of both Ubuntu (e.g., 20.04, 22.04) and SQL Server (e.g., 2019, 2022). LTS versions receive 5+ years of security updates and bug fixes, ensuring stability. For example, SQL Server 2022 on Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 offers enhanced performance, security, and new features like improved AI capabilities.
- Development/Test Environments: Use newer non-LTS versions (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04 with SQL Server 2022/2025 Preview) to experiment with cutting-edge features. Non-LTS versions are ideal for testing compatibility with upcoming releases but lack long-term support.
4. Select the Appropriate Edition
SQL Server offers several editions with different licensing and feature sets. For Ubuntu, free licenses are available for:
- Evaluation Edition: Full-featured for 180 days (ideal for testing).
- Developer Edition: Free for development and testing (not for production).
- Express Edition: Lightweight, limited to 10GB database size (suitable for small applications).
Paid editions like Standard and Enterprise offer advanced features (e.g., high availability, advanced analytics) but require additional licensing costs.
5. Plan for Future Scalability
If you anticipate growth, choose a version that supports future upgrades. For instance, installing SQL Server 2022 on Ubuntu 22.04 ensures compatibility with upcoming SQL Server 2025 releases (when fully supported). Avoid using end-of-life Ubuntu versions (e.g., 16.04) as they won’t receive updates, limiting your ability to upgrade SQL Server.