What's a server instance?

Question

A server instance is a collection of SQL Server databases which are run by a solitary SQL Server service or instance. The details of each server instance can be viewed on the service console which can be web-based or command-line based.

What is an instance in a server?

An instance is a single copy of the software running on a single physical or virtual server. If you run two copies of the software on the same physical or virtual server, that counts as two instances.

What is the difference between a server and a server instance?

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.

Are instances the same as servers?

An instance is only connected to a single database. In a RAC (Real Application Clusters) configuration, separate instances on multiple servers can have the same database open. A server can also have multiple instances running, each instance running a separate database.

What is a single server instance?

The server instance is a single Java EE compatible Java Virtual Machine hosting an Application Server on a single node. Each server instance has a unique name in the domain.

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