Exploring SQL Server Build Numbers

Greetings, Dev! As a developer or database administrator, keeping track of the build number of your SQL Server installation is crucial. Build numbers represent specific versions of SQL Server and knowing the build number can help you ensure that you have installed the correct service pack or cumulative update. In this article, we will explore SQL Server build numbers in detail, including how to find the build number, what each component of the build number means, and how to use build numbers to troubleshoot issues.

Finding Your SQL Server Build Number

The first step in working with build numbers is to find the build number of your SQL Server instance. There are several ways to do this:

Method 1: Querying the @@VERSION Function

The @@VERSION function returns version and build information for the SQL Server instance. You can use this function to find the build number:

Query	Output
SELECT @@VERSION	Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (RTM-CU14) (KB4484710) – 14.0.3076.1 (X64) …

The build number in the output is 14.0.3076.1.

Method 2: Using SQL Server Management Studio

You can find the build number in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) by connecting to the instance and opening the Help > About dialog:

Step	Screenshot
1. Open SSMS
2. Click Help > About Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
3. Check the version number

The build number is included in the version number, such as “14.0.3076.1”.

Understanding SQL Server Build Numbers

Now that you know how to find the build number, let’s dive deeper into what each component of the build number represents:

Major Version

The major version number represents a major release of SQL Server. For example, SQL Server 2017 has a major version number of 14.

Minor Version

The minor version number represents a minor release or service pack. For example, SQL Server 2017 Cumulative Update 14 has a minor version number of 0 (since it’s not a service pack).

Build Number

The build number represents a specific build of SQL Server. Each build is unique and includes bug fixes and/or new features. For example, build 3076 of SQL Server 2017 includes bug fixes for issues that were present in previous builds.

Revision Number

The revision number is used internally by Microsoft and is not typically used by customers.

Using SQL Server Build Numbers

Now that you understand what each component of the build number represents, let’s explore how you can use build numbers to troubleshoot issues and ensure that you have the latest updates:

Identifying a Build Number

If you are experiencing an issue with SQL Server, the first step is to identify the build number of your instance. This can help you determine if the issue has already been fixed in a later build.

Finding the Latest Build

You can use the Microsoft SQL Server Release Services page to find the latest build for your version of SQL Server:

Step	Screenshot
1. Go to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/latest-updates-for-microsoft-sql-server
2. Select your version of SQL Server
3. Check the latest build number

You can compare the latest build number to your build number to determine if you need to install any updates.

Installing Updates

If you find that you have an older build number and need to install updates, you can use the SQL Server Update Center to download and install the latest updates:

Step	Screenshot
1. Go to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/install-the-latest-service-pack-for-sql-server
2. Select your version of SQL Server
3. Download and install the latest updates

It’s important to ensure that you have the latest updates installed to avoid known issues and security vulnerabilities.

Using Build Numbers to Troubleshoot Issues

If you experience an issue with SQL Server, knowing the build number can help you determine if the issue has already been fixed in a later build. You can check the release notes for each build to see if the issue is mentioned:

Step	Screenshot
1. Go to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/install-windows/latest-updates-for-microsoft-sql-server
2. Select your version of SQL Server
3. Check the release notes for the relevant build

If the issue has not been fixed in a later build, you can use the build number to report the issue to Microsoft or to community forums. Providing the build number can help others reproduce the issue and troubleshoot it.

FAQ

What is a build number?

A build number represents a specific version of SQL Server. Each build includes bug fixes and/or new features.

How do I find my SQL Server build number?

You can find the build number by querying the @@VERSION function or by checking the Help > About dialog in SQL Server Management Studio.

What does each component of the build number mean?

The major version represents a major release of SQL Server. The minor version represents a minor release or service pack. The build number represents a specific build of SQL Server. The revision number is used internally by Microsoft and is not typically used by customers.

How do I use build numbers to troubleshoot issues?

If you experience an issue with SQL Server, checking the build number can help you determine if the issue has already been fixed in a later build. You can also use the build number to report the issue to Microsoft or community forums.

How do I ensure that I have the latest updates installed?

You can use the Microsoft SQL Server Release Services page to find the latest build for your version of SQL Server, and the SQL Server Update Center to download and install the latest updates.

Why is it important to keep track of build numbers?

Keeping track of build numbers can help you ensure that you have installed the correct service pack or cumulative update, avoid known issues and security vulnerabilities, and troubleshoot issues more effectively.