Mastering the SQL Server Command Line for Dev

Welcome, Dev! Are you looking to improve your SQL Server command line skills? Look no further! In this article, we will dive into the essentials of the SQL Server command line interface and explore helpful tips and tricks that will make you a command line pro.

What is the SQL Server Command Line?

The SQL Server command line is a powerful tool that allows developers and database administrators to execute commands and scripts directly from the command line interface. This interface provides a faster and more efficient way to manage SQL Server databases, compared to using graphical user interface tools.

In order to access the SQL Server command line, you will need to launch the command prompt or PowerShell and then connect to the SQL Server instance using the appropriate command line tools.

Accessing the SQL Server Command Line

There are several ways to access the SQL Server command line interface, depending on your operating system and SQL Server version. Here are a few common examples:

Operating System	SQL Server Version	Command to Access Command Line
Windows	SQL Server 2019	sqlcmd
Windows	SQL Server 2017 and Earlier	sqlcmd or osql
Linux or macOS	SQL Server 2019	sqlcmd

Once you have accessed the SQL Server command line, you can start executing commands and scripts to manage your databases.

Essential SQL Server Command Line Commands

Connecting to a SQL Server Instance

The first step in using the SQL Server command line is connecting to a SQL Server instance. Here is an example of the command to connect to a SQL Server instance:

sqlcmd -S [server name] -U [username] -P [password]

Replace [server name], [username], and [password] with the appropriate values for your SQL Server instance. Once you have connected, you can start executing commands and scripts.

Creating a Database

You can create a new database using the SQL Server command line with the following command:

CREATE DATABASE [database name];

Replace [database name] with the desired name for your new database.

Creating a Table

You can create a new table in your database using the SQL Server command line with the following command:

CREATE TABLE [table name] (column1 datatype1, column2 datatype2, column3 datatype3);

Replace [table name], [column1], [datatype1], [column2], [datatype2], [column3], and [datatype3] with the appropriate values for your new table.

Inserting Data Into a Table

You can insert data into a table in your database using the SQL Server command line with the following command:

INSERT INTO [table name] (column1, column2, column3) VALUES (value1, value2, value3);

Replace [table name], [column1], [column2], [column3], [value1], [value2], and [value3] with the appropriate values for your database and table.

Viewing Data From a Table

You can view data from a table in your database using the SQL Server command line with the following command:

SELECT * FROM [table name];

Replace [table name] with the name of the table you want to view.

Tips and Tricks for the SQL Server Command Line

Using Variables in Your Commands

You can use variables in your SQL Server command line commands by defining them with the :setvar command. Here is an example:

:setvar dbname "MyDatabase"

You can then use the variable in your commands like this:

SELECT * FROM $(dbname).dbo.MyTable;

Using the -i Option to Execute Scripts

If you have a SQL script that you want to execute in the SQL Server command line interface, you can use the -i option to specify the path to the script file. Here is an example:

sqlcmd -S ServerName -U UserName -P Password -i "C:\MyFolder\MyScript.sql"

Using the -m Option to Increase Query Output

By default, the SQL Server command line limits query output to 256 characters. If you need to view longer query output, you can use the -m option to increase the limit. Here is an example:

sqlcmd -S ServerName -U UserName -P Password -m 1000 -Q "SELECT * FROM MyTable"

FAQ

What is the difference between sqlcmd and osql?

sqlcmd is the newer command line tool for SQL Server and provides more functionality than osql. However, osql may still be used for backwards compatibility with older versions of SQL Server.

Can I execute PowerShell scripts from the SQL Server command line?

Yes, you can execute PowerShell scripts from the SQL Server command line by using the sqlps command.

How can I view query results in a table format?

You can view query results in a table format by using the -s option with the sqlcmd command. Here is an example:

sqlcmd -S ServerName -U UserName -P Password -s "," -Q "SELECT * FROM MyTable"

This will separate the columns in the query result with a comma, making it easy to view in a table format.

Dev, we hope this article has been helpful in improving your SQL Server command line skills. With practice and perseverance, you can become a command line pro and streamline your database management tasks. Keep exploring and learning!