When it comes to running SQL Server queries from the command prompt, users often find themselves wondering which utility to use: sqlcmd or osql. Today, we will compare these two SQL Server tools and help you make an informed decision.
The answer is simple: use “sqlcmd”. While osql has its own set of features, sqlcmd offers additional functionality and is the recommended utility to use. It is worth noting that osql does not support all the features of SQL Server 2005, whereas sqlcmd does.
Let’s take a closer look at why sqlcmd is the preferred choice:
- Compatibility: sqlcmd was introduced in SQL Server 2005, whereas osql was introduced in SQL Server 2000. If you are using SQL Server 2005 or a newer version, it is recommended to use sqlcmd.
- Feature-rich: sqlcmd offers all the features that osql has to offer, and more. It provides a wide range of functionalities that can enhance your SQL Server experience.
- Convenience: One of the advantages of using sqlcmd is its ability to run both SQL commands and system commands seamlessly. For example, if you need to run the system command “dir”, you can simply write “!! dir” in sqlcmd and it will execute the command.
So, even if your script only requires basic SQL Server functions that can be executed by both sqlcmd and osql, it is still recommended to use sqlcmd due to its feature-rich nature and compatibility with newer versions of SQL Server.
In future posts, we will explore more advantages of using sqlcmd and delve deeper into its functionalities.