How to Check Version of SQL Server refers to the process of determining the specific version of Microsoft SQL Server that is installed on a particular system or server. SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft, and knowing the version number is crucial for various reasons, including compatibility, feature availability, security updates, and troubleshooting purposes. Each version of SQL Server brings new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, and it is essential to be aware of the version in use to ensure optimal performance and security.
There are several methods to check the version of SQL Server installed on a system. One common approach is to use the Transact-SQL (T-SQL) query “SELECT @@VERSION” within SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or any other SQL client tool. This query returns a string that includes the version number, edition, and other relevant information about the SQL Server instance. Additionally, the version can be obtained from the registry key “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\Instance Names\SQL” or by running the command “sqlcmd -v” from the command prompt.