Azure SQL Database Serverless
Azure SQL Database Serverless is a compute tier for Azure SQL Database that automatically scales compute resources based on workload demand and bills only for the compute used per second. It automatically pauses databases during inactive periods and resumes them when activity returns, optimizing costs for intermittent or unpredictable workloads. This serverless model simplifies performance management by handling scaling and resource allocation dynamically without manual intervention.
Developers should use Azure SQL Database Serverless for applications with intermittent, unpredictable, or variable usage patterns, such as development/test environments, low-traffic web apps, or batch processing jobs, where cost efficiency is a priority. It's ideal when you want to avoid over-provisioning compute resources and prefer a pay-per-use model that automatically scales and pauses during idle times, reducing operational overhead.