What happens to Azure SQL Database when no service tier is selected?

When a new Azure SQL Database is created, it is essential to select a service tier because this defines the performance and features available to that database. Without a selected service tier, the database cannot function, as the service tier determines critical aspects such as compute size, storage limits, and other resource allocations.

Azure SQL Database is designed with a tiered performance model to cater to different workloads, and a service tier must be specified to ensure the database operates optimally. Therefore, if a service tier is not assigned at the time of creation, the system will not allow the database to be created or function effectively. As a result, it cannot operate without having a specified service tier assigned to it.

This principle emphasizes the importance of understanding service tiers in Azure SQL Database management, which plays a crucial role in database capacity planning and performance optimization.