ISQLOSQL

ISQL/OSQL

The ISQL and OSQL command-line utilities can be used to execute SQL statements, stored procedures, and script files from the command prompt. Commands that can be entered interactively via Query Analyzer can be placed in batch files and executed via ISQL/OSQL. In addition, the output from these files can be routed to a file that allows daily reports and tasks of this nature to be run unattended.

The ISQL utility uses DB-LIB to communicate with SQL Server, whereas OSQL uses ODBC. Because ISQL is based on the DB-LIB interface, it does not support Unicode data. DB-Library has not been enhanced to support any of the new features in SQL Server 7.0 or 2000 and is only maintained for backward compatibility. Microsoft recommends that you use OSQL instead of ISQL for any command-line procedures.

The command-line parameters for ISQL and OSQL are similar with only a few differences. The command-line parameters for both utilities allow you to specify the query or file you want to execute, the target server and database, as well as the location for the resulting output.

TIP

According to the Books Online documentation, the ISQL utility (which is based on Db-Library) does not support named instances. Contrary to the documentation, I have been able to connect with ISQL using named instance, but you might encounter problems. If you do experience problems, one workaround is to set up an alias for the named instance using the Client Network utility. After this alias has been created, then the alias name can be used with the \S parameter in ISQL. Another alternative is to use OSQL, which does support named instances and all other SQL Server 2000 features.

A simple OSQL example follows :

 OSQL /sserver_name /E /iinput_file  /ooutput_file 

This example shows the basic syntax needed to run a query from a SQL script file using the default server instance. A trusted connection and an output file for the results are specified as well. The same syntax can be used for the ISQL utility.

In addition to using the utilities to run SQL queries, you can also use them by specifying the -L option. This option will list the names of the SQL servers currently on the network. You might want to use this option when you are troubleshooting a client's connection and you want to know which SQL servers the particular workstation can see.

The ISQL.EXE and OSQL.EXE files are located, by default, with the SQL Server tools in Microsoft SQL Server\80\Tools\Binn\ .