Configuring Django to Use ODBC Driver for SQL Server 11 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS

In my previous post, I walked you through configuring Django to use Azure SQL Database via ODBC when deploying your application on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. However, if you are looking to connect your Django app to a Microsoft SQL Server database, you will need an ODBC driver that supports the latest version of SQL Server.

One option for achieving this is by using the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server 11. This driver allows you to connect your Python application to a Microsoft SQL Server database via ODBC. In this article, we will explore how to install and configure the ODBC driver on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS.

Benefits of Using an ODBC Driver

Using an ODBC driver provides several benefits when connecting your Django app to a Microsoft SQL Server database. For instance, it enables you to leverage the power of SQL Server's robust data management capabilities, while also providing a standardized interface for interacting with the database.

Installing the ODBC Driver

To install the ODBC driver on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, you will need to download the correct version from the Microsoft website. The process is straightforward and involves running a few commands in your terminal.

Once downloaded, extract the contents of the zip file to a directory of your choice. You can then install the driver by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install odbc-mssql

Configuring the ODBC Driver

After installing the ODBC driver, you will need to configure it to connect to your Microsoft SQL Server database. To do this, open the ODBC Data Source Administrator tool and create a new data source.

In the data source name field, enter a name for your connection (e.g., 'SQL Server 11'). In the description field, enter a brief description of your connection.

Next, click on the 'Add' button to add a new database driver. Select the Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server 11 from the list and click 'Finish'.

In the next window, enter the server name or IP address of your Microsoft SQL Server instance, as well as the username and password you want to use to connect.

Once you have entered all the required information, click 'Test Connection' to verify that your connection is successful. If everything is set up correctly, you should see a message indicating that your connection was successful.

In this article, we walked through the process of installing and configuring the ODBC driver for SQL Server 11 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. We also explored the benefits of using an ODBC driver when connecting your Django app to a Microsoft SQL Server database.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your Django application to a Microsoft SQL Server database using the ODBC driver. Happy coding!

Odbc driver for sql server 11