In this article, we will show you how to connect to SQL Server using sqlcmd utility with practical examples.
Before you start using command prompt to connect with Sql Server. First, use the SQLCMD help command to see the list of available options
SQLCMD -?
Connect using sqlcmd utility – Windows Authentication
You can connect SQL Server in multiple ways.
-- Connect SQL Default Instance using Windows Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME -E -- Connect SQL Named Instance using Windows Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME\INSTANCE -E -- Connecting Named Instance with port using Windows Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME\INSTANCE, 1919 -E
In this example, we will connect with windows authentication
SQLCMD -S PRASAD -E
Use QUIT keyword to exit or close the Sql connection
QUIT
If your SQL server has the localhost instance, you can use that localhost to connect with server
SQLCMD -S localhost -E
Let me execute one query. below query will return all the databases that are available in Server
SELECT name FROM master.sys.databases
Connect to SQL Server using sqlcmd utility – SQL Authentication
You can connect SQL Server with Sql authentication in multiple ways.
-- Connect SQL Default Instance using SQL Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME -U Username -P password -- Connect SQL Named Instance using SQL user Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME\INSTANCE -U Username -P password -- Connecting Named Instance with port using SQL Authentication SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME\INSTANCE, 1919 -U Username -P password
Let me connect with Sql authentication
SQLCMD -S PRASAD -U Suresh -P yourpassword
Let me select the Column names from Employee table
USE [SQL Tutorial] GO SELECT COLUMN_NAME FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS WHERE TABLE_NAME = N'Employee' GO
