Export and Import the database objects using BACPAC file

Posted byRamasankarPosted inDatabase Administration

In this post i will be explaining about how to export the database objects to backpac and import from bacpac file.

  1. Connect to SQL Server , Right click on the database and Go to Tasks –> Export Data Tier Application

1

 

2. Introduction screen will be appeared as shown below, click next to continue

2.PNG

3. Export setting screen , please select where you want to store the bacpac file. It can be either on windows azure machine or on local machine. I have selected local in this example.

3

4. Please provide the location of the file to save the bacpac file.

4.PNG

5. Same export settings screen, click on advance tab to select the objects you would like to export. Once you have selected, click next to proceed

5.PNG

6. Progress screen will appear, it will show the progress of the export as shown in below figure

7

7. Results screen will appear after completion of export as shown in below figure.

8.PNG

8. You have successfully exported the database objects as bacpac file. Let us create new database by importing the bacpac file in another server. Right click on databases and select import Data-tier Application as shown in below screen

`

9.png

9.  Introduction screen will appear as show in below figure. Click next to continue

10.PNG

10. Import settings screen will appear and specify the bacpac file which was created before. If you have stored the bacpac file in windows azure blob storage then you can select second option to import the bacpac file. In this example, i have saved the bacpac file on the local machine.  Click next to continue.

11.PNG

11. Database settings screen will appear as below, specify the name of the database , data and log file path. In this case i have specified database name as “Hello_Test” and the paths are on the same drive. Best practice is to keep the data and log files separated. Click next to continue.

12.PNG

12. You would see summary screen as below after the above step. Click next to continue.

13.PNG

13. Progress screen will appear and will display the progress of the database import as show in the below figure. Click next to continue.

14.PNG

14. Results screen will show you the results of import progress. As you can see in the below screeshot, the import operation completed. Let us see the new database “Hello_Test” and the objects.

15.PNG

15. There you go. New database “Hello_Test” has been created.

 

16

So far you have learned how to export database objects as bacpac and import the bacpac to create a database. You may think, the same can be achieved by doing backup and restore. Yes, we can achieve using backup and restore. But,

  1. You do not have an option to chose few database objects/Schemas to import rather than complete database, unless you maintain separate file groups for different objects.
  2. Import a BACPAC file to create a new Azure SQL database.
  3. Restore SQL Azure database to MS SQL Server.

 

Cheers

Hope you like the post!

Ramasankar Molleti

LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile

Twitter: Twitter

 

Published by Ramasankar

As a Principal Cloud Architect with over 18 years of experience, I am dedicated to revolutionizing IT landscapes through cutting-edge cloud solutions. My expertise spans Cloud Architecture, Security Architecture, Solution Design, Cloud Migration, Database Transformation, Development, and Big Data Analytics.Currently, I spearhead cloud initiatives with a focus on Infrastructure, Containerization, Security, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. I collaborate closely with development teams to architect, build, and manage robust cloud ecosystems that drive business growth and technological advancement.Core Competencies: • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure • Technologies: Kubernetes, Serverless Computing, Microservices • Databases: MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Amazon Redshift, DynamoDB, Aurora • Industries: Finance, Retail, Manufacturing. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with industry leaders such as OCC, Gate Gourmet, Walgreens, and Johnson Controls, gaining invaluable insights across diverse sectors.As a lifelong learner and knowledge sharer, I take pride in being the first in my organization to complete all major AWS certifications. I am passionate about mentoring and guiding fellow professionals in their cloud journey, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.Let’s connect and explore how we can leverage cloud technologies to transform your business: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramasankar-molleti-23b13218/ • Book a mentorship session: [1:1] Together, let’s architect the future of cloud computing and drive technological excellence. Disclaimer The views expressed on this website/blog are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my company. All postings on this blog are provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights. The owner of https://ramasankarmolleti.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

Leave a comment