How to enable the execution of Python scripts within SQL Server

Learn how to setup and run python (or R) scripts within your SQL code

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Step 1: Enable Machine Learning Services within SQL Server

Please note this step requires administrator rights to run/re-run the setup configuration.

1.1 Download SQL Server (link). Or, if you already have SQL Server installed, acquire the SQL Server installation media and from the root folder, open Setup.exe . This will start the setup wizard.

1.2 Select the Installation tab on the left hand side, and then New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.

1.3 On the Features Selection tab (also on the left) enable:

• Database Engine Services
• Machine Learning Services and Language Extension
• Python (and/or R)

Continue through the setup process and complete installation.

Step 2: enable external script execution

I personally ran this section using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Other options include Azure Data Studio and Visual Studio.