What is the difference between SQL Server and instance?

What is the difference between instance and server?

A server is a (physical or virtual) machine hosting SQL Server software. An instance is a collection of SQL Server databases run by a single SQL Server service, ahem, instance. You can view each separate instance you're running in your service console. Each instance can be started or stopped individually.

What is difference between instance and database?

The database is the set of files where application data (the reason for a database) and meta data is stored. An instance is the software (and memory) that Oracle uses to manipulate the data in the database. In order for the instance to be able to manipulate that data, the instance must open the database.

What is a SQL Server instance example?

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 database name and instance name?

SID and instance name are the same thing and identify database instance = processes and memory. Database name identifies database = database files on disk. Service name identifies database instance for Oracle Net i.e. for remote access to database instance.