What is the difference between SSMS and SQL Server?

How does SSMS connect to SQL Server?

Connect to the SQL Server using SSMS Next, from the Connect menu under the Object Explorer, choose the Database Engine… Then, enter the information for the Server name (localhost), Authentication (SQL Server Authentication), and password for the sa user and click the Connect button to connect to the SQL Server.

Is SSMS SQL Server?

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure. Use SSMS to access, configure, manage, administer, and develop all components of SQL Server, Azure SQL Database , Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VM, and Azure Synapse Analytics.

Do I need SQL Server and SSMS?

But installing SQL Server Management Studio is definitely NOT a requirement. SSMS is a very useful tool and can help you do things easier - but just to have an application run against your SQL Server database, it is NOT needed.

Does SSMS install SQL Server?

The Install SSMS button will install SQL Server Management Studio, which can be used to manage one or more SQL Server instances.