Connect to SQL Server using sqlcmd utility

In this article, we will show you how to connect to SQL Server using sqlcmd utility with practical examples. Before you start using the command prompt to connect with SQL Server, First, use the SQLCMD utility help command to see the list of available options

SQLCMD -?

Connect using sqlcmd utility Windows Authentication

You can connect in multiple ways.

-- Connect Default Instance using Windows Authentication
SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME -E

-- Connect 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 Sql Server example, we will connect with windows authentication

SQLCMD -S PRASAD -E

Use QUIT keyword to exit or close the connection

QUIT

If your SQL server has the localhost instance, you can use that localhost to connect with the server.

SQLCMD -S localhost -E

The below query will return all the databases that are available in Server.

SELECT name FROM master.sys.databases

Connect using sqlcmd utility and SQL Authentication

You can connect with Server authentication in multiple ways.

-- Connect Default Instance using SQL Authentication
SQLCMD -S SERVERNAME -U Username -P password

-- Connect Named Instance using 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 Server authentication.

SQLCMD -S PRASAD -U Suresh -P yourpassword

Let me select the Column names from the Employee table.

SELECT COLUMN_NAME
FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS
WHERE TABLE_NAME = N'Employee'
GO