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title: Connect and query SQL Server on Linux | SQL Server vNext CTP1
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author: rothja 
ms.author: jroth 
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ms.date: 10-28-2016
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ms.prod: sql-non-specified
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# Connect and query SQL Server on Linux

This topic provides an overview of how to connect and run Transact-SQL (TSQL) queries on SQL Server vNext CTP1 running on Linux. In many ways the connection techniques and T-SQL commands do not differ between platforms. But this topic looks at the requirements and tools for Linux and then provides references to other resources.

## Connection requirements
To connect to SQL Server on Linux, you must use SQL Authentication (username and password). To connect remotely, you must open the port that SQL Server is listening on. The default instance of SQL Server listens on TCP port 1433.

### Connection requirements for Azure virtual machines
If you are running Linux in an Azure virtual machine (VM), you must create a Network Security Group rule that allows traffic to TCP port 1433. 
    
1. In the Azure portal, select your Linux VM, and then select the **Network interfaces** setting. 
2. In the next blade, select your network interface to view its properties.
3. In the Network interface blade, click the **Network security group** link to manage the Network Security Group associated with your VM.
4. Create a Network Security Group rule. For step-by-step instructions, use the steps in [Create rules in an existing NSG](https://azure.microsoft.com/documentation/articles/virtual-networks-create-nsg-arm-pportal/#create-rules-in-an-existing-nsg). These provide the steps for creating an NSG rule, but you must customize your rule for incoming TCP traffic on port 1433. 

## Tools
The following table lists several tools that connect to SQL Server and allow you to run queries.

| Tool | Description |
|-----|-----|
| [sqlcmd](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms162773.aspx) | **Sqlcmd.exe** is a command line tool that can be run from any Windows or Linux machine that has the SQL Server tools installed. It has a basic interface but is good for quickly connecting and running T-SQL commands. <br/>[Connect and query SQL Server on Linux (SqlCmd)](sql-server-linux-connect-and-query-sqlcmd.md) |
| [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com) | **Visual Studio Code** is a lightweight, cross-platform development tool for writing code. The MSSQL extension provides the ability to execute TSQL commands. This is especially useful in development scenarios where you need to write both application code and database functionality. <br/>[Connect and query SQL Server on Linux (VS Code)](sql-server-linux-connect-and-query-vs-code.md) |
| [SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for Windows](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/mt238290.aspx) | **SQL Server Management Studio** is a Windows tool for both querying and managing SQL Server instances. This is best for when you are working with both Windows and Linux machines. You can connect SSMS running on Windows to SQL Server running on Linux. The advantage of SSMS is that it provide a graphical user interface for many server and database management tasks. <br/>[Connect and query SQL Server on Linux (SSMS)](sql-server-linux-connect-and-query-ssms.md) |

## <a id="troubleshoot"></a> Troubleshoot connection failures

The most common reasons for connection failures are mistakes in the server name/IP-address and network connectivity issues.

Also, verify the user name and password do not contain any typos or extra spaces (user names are not case-sensitive, but passwords are). 

You can also explicitly set the protocol and port number with the server name like the following: `tcp:servername,1433`

Network connectivity issues can also cause connection errors and timeouts. After verifying your connection information and network connectivity, try the connection again.

## Next Steps
For more information on using SQL Server vNext on Linux, see [SQL Server on Linux overview](sql-server-linux-overview.md).