What is Microsoft SQL Server instance?
Experience Level: Medior
Tags: DatabasesQuality Assurance (QA)
Answer
- SQL Server instance is a separate copy/installation of SQL Server.
- You can install multiple instances on a same machine and identify them by instance name that you select during installation (named instances).
- If you don't select custom instance name, SQL Server will be installed as a default instance (that has no name defined).
- There can be only 1 default instance (however it doesn't need to be installed if you don't want to).
- More that 1 active instance can run at a time.
When is it helpful to use multiple SQL Server instances?
- When you need to use multiple SQL Server versions side by side
- When you want to have multiple databases with the same name on one machine (for example when DEV and QA environment are running on the same box)
- When you want to isolate SQL Server instances from each other
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