From a base
to your first clone.

Start with the right host.

Use an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS VM with Docker, LVM, XFS tools, and a dedicated disposable data disk. Each clone defaults to 2 CPUs and 4 GB of memory; plan enough host capacity for concurrent SQL Server instances.

eddb is commercial software for internal development and testing. A valid eddb license is required to provision capacity. You manage the VM, firewall, backups, data security, and Microsoft SQL Server licensing.

Make your first clone.

After normal storage initialization, default bases for SQL Server 2022 and 2025 are ready. Start with the 2022 base:

eddb create dev --base default-2022
eddb check-connection dev
eddb info dev

eddb info shows the real connection details, including the generated password. Keep this output private.

Bring your own starting point.

Restore your own SQL Server backup into a reusable base, then create clones from it. This example uses a local backup file and a 200 GB virtual size limit:

eddb build-base team-base --bak ./seed.bak --size 200G
eddb create dev --base team-base
eddb create qa --base team-base

The database normally retains its original name from the backup. Physical storage is consumed as data is written; the virtual size is not a reservation of that much physical storage.

Keep the workflow moving.

eddb list             # List your clones
eddb usage            # Check physical storage usage
eddb stop dev         # Stop a clone
eddb start dev        # Start it again
eddb refresh qa       # Confirm a reset to its base

Refresh discards the clone’s changes and rebuilds it from its base, preserving its port and password. Review the confirmation before continuing.