Greetings Dev, as a developer, you know how essential SQL Server is in managing and processing data efficiently. A SQL Server database comprises one or more database files, and the server instance can host numerous databases. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about SQL Server list databases.
What is SQL Server List Databases?
SQL Server list databases is a command used to display a list of all databases on a particular SQL Server instance. It is an essential command-line query that allows you to see all existing databases quickly. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides a visual interface to execute this command.
Let’s explore this command in further detail to understand how it works and how to use it.
How to Use SQL Server List Databases Command?
Using SQL Server List Databases command-line query is simple. Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your SQL Server instance. Then, open a new query window and run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
USE master; |
Selects the master database. |
GO |
Ends the previous command. |
SELECT name FROM sys.databases |
Displays a list of all databases on the server instance. |
GO |
Ends the SELECT statement. |
The output will display a list of all databases on the SQL Server instance.
What is the Structure of SQL Server List Databases Command?
The SQL Server List Databases command has a universal structure that is easy to remember. Here is a breakdown of the query:
Command: USE master;
Description: The USE master command sets the system database before running the SELECT statement.
Command: SELECT name FROM sys.databases;
Description: The SELECT statement retrieves all database names from the sys.databases table.
What are the Common Errors Encountered While Using SQL Server List Databases Command?
When executing SQL Server List Databases command, you may encounter some common errors. Here are a few examples:
Error: Msg 911, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
Could not locate entry in sysdatabases for database ‘nonexistent_db’. No entry found with that name. Make sure that the name is entered correctly.
Description: The error occurs when you try to execute SQL Server List Databases command on a non-existing database instance.
Error: Msg 262, Level 14, State 1, Line 1
CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database ‘master’.
Description: The error occurs when you do not have permission to create a new database.
How to Fix Common SQL Server List Databases Errors?
If you encounter any errors while executing SQL Server List Databases command, here are a few ways to fix them:
Error: Could not locate entry in sysdatabases for database ‘nonexistent_db’. No entry found with that name. Make sure that the name is entered correctly.
Solution: Confirm that the database name is correct and exists on the SQL Server instance. If the database does not exist, create it before running the SQL Server List Databases command.
Error: CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database ‘master’.
Solution: Request permission from the database administrator to create a database or log in as a sysadmin to execute the SQL Server List Databases command.
What Information Does SQL Server List Databases Command Return?
SQL Server List Databases command provides a list of all database names, excluding system databases. The columns displayed by the command include:
Column Name |
Description |
|---|---|
name |
The name of the database. |
The output of the SQL Server List Databases command is a single column list of all existing databases.
How to Sort SQL Server List Databases Command Output?
SQL Server List Databases command’s output can be sorted by the database name column by adding the ORDER BY clause. The following command sorts the output in ascending order by database name:
Command: SELECT name FROM sys.databases ORDER BY name ASC;
To sort the output in descending order, run this command:
Command: SELECT name FROM sys.databases ORDER BY name DESC;
How to Filter SQL Server List Databases Command Output?
You can filter SQL Server List Databases command’s output by using the WHERE clause. The following command returns a list of databases whose names contain the word ‘report’:
Command: SELECT name FROM sys.databases WHERE name LIKE ‘%report%’;
How to Run SQL Server List Databases Command on Remote Server?
You can run SQL Server List Databases command on a remote server by connecting to the server instance using SQL Server Management Studio. Follow these steps:
- Open SQL Server Management Studio on your local machine.
- Click on the Connect button and select Database Engine from the list.
- Enter the server name and username/password.
- Click Connect to connect to the remote server.
- Open a new query window and run the SQL Server List Databases command.
The output will display a list of all databases on the remote server instance.
How to List Databases Using SQLCMD?
SQLCMD is a command-line tool that enables you to connect and execute commands on a SQL Server instance. Here is how to list databases using SQLCMD:
- Open the command prompt and type sqlcmd -S servername -U username -P password to connect to the SQL Server instance.
- Type USE master; to change the database context to the master database.
- Type SELECT name FROM sys.databases; to display a list of all databases on the SQL Server instance.
- Type GO to execute the command.
The output will display a list of all databases on the SQL Server instance.
FAQs
1. How many databases are supported per SQL Server instance?
SQL Server supports up to 32,767 user databases per instance.
2. How can I take a backup of all databases on a SQL Server instance?
You can execute the SQL Server List Databases command and use the output to create a script that backs up all databases. Here is how to do it:
- Execute the SQL Server List Databases command.
- Capture the output in a script file using the FOR loop.
- Use the captured names to create a script that backs up each database.
- Execute the backup script.
3. Can I rename a database using SQL Server List Databases command?
No, you cannot rename a database using SQL Server List Databases command. To rename a database, use the ALTER DATABASE command.
4. How can I drop a database using SQL Server List Databases command?
You cannot drop a database using SQL Server List Databases command. To drop a database, use the DROP DATABASE command.
5. Can I execute SQL Server List Databases command on Azure SQL Database?
Yes, you can execute SQL Server List Databases command on Azure SQL Database.
The Bottom Line
SQL Server List Databases command is a fundamental query used to display a list of all databases on a SQL Server instance. It is an essential command for database administrators and developers who manage numerous databases. By executing the SQL Server List Databases command, you can get a quick overview of all databases present on your SQL Server instance. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you understand everything you need to know about SQL Server List Databases command.