What is database engine and database instance?

What is database instance?

A database instance is a set of memory structures that manage database files. A database is a set of physical files on disk created by the CREATE DATABASE statement. The instance manages its associated data and serves the users of the database.

What is database engine instance?

An instance of the Database Engine is a copy of the sqlservr.exe executable that runs as an operating system service. Each instance manages several system databases and one or more user databases. Each computer can run multiple instances of the Database Engine.

What is the difference between instance and database?

A database is made up of the physical files that contain the data and metadata that makeup said database. These include the datafiles, controlfiles, and redo log files. Instance: An instance is the memory that is shared and accessed by all the threads and background processes.

What is database instance name?

In general, a database instance describes a complete database environment and all of its components. This system includes multiple parts, including the relational database management system (RDBMS) software, table structure, stored procedures, and other functionality.