How to Connect to SQL Server from Terminal or GUI in PostgreSQL

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How do I connect to SQL Server from the terminal or a GUI?

Establishes a connection to a Microsoft SQL Server instance through either command-line tools or graphical clients.

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Description

Why connect to SQL Server from a terminal?

Command-line connections automate testing, scripting, and CI/CD workflows without manual clicks. They are predictable, easy to version-control, and faster for repetitive tasks.

Which CLI tools work with SQL Server?

sqlcmd ships with Microsoft ODBC drivers and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lets you connect, run T-SQL scripts, and export results—all from one command.

How do I install sqlcmd?

macOS/Linux: brew install mssql-tools or use Microsoft’s apt/yum repos. Windows: include “Client Tools Connectivity” in the SQL Server installer or install the standalone ODBC package.

What is the exact sqlcmd syntax?

Use -S for server, -d for database, -U for user, and -P for password. Add -Q to execute a query immediately or -i to run a file.

How do I connect through a GUI?

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Azure Data Studio (ADS) offer graphical log-in dialogs. Supply the same host, database, and credentials used by sqlcmd. Save profiles for one-click reuse.

Step-by-step SSMS connection

1) Open SSMS → Connect → Database Engine. 2) Server name: mydb.company.net,1433. 3) Authentication: SQL Login. 4) Enter user & password → Connect. A new query tab opens automatically.

How do I run a query right after connecting?

sqlcmd -S mydb.company.net -d shop -U app_user -P secret -Q "SELECT TOP 10 * FROM Customers;"

Best practices for credentials

Store passwords in environment variables or secret managers, then call sqlcmd -P $SQLSERVER_PWD. For GUI tools, use OS keychains and disable “save password in plain text.”

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Wrong port: SQL Server defaults to 1433; include it if the instance listens on a non-default port, e.g., -S host,1500.

Mismatched auth mode: If Windows Auth is disabled on Linux/macOS, switch to SQL Logins or enable Kerberos tickets.

Why How to Connect to SQL Server from Terminal or GUI in PostgreSQL is important

How to Connect to SQL Server from Terminal or GUI in PostgreSQL Example Usage


sqlcmd -S prod-sql.company.net -d shop -U reporting -P $SQLSERVER_PWD -Q "SELECT C.name, SUM(O.total_amount) AS lifetime_spend FROM Customers C JOIN Orders O ON C.id=O.customer_id GROUP BY C.name ORDER BY lifetime_spend DESC;"

How to Connect to SQL Server from Terminal or GUI in PostgreSQL Syntax


sqlcmd [-S server\instance[,port]] [-d database] -U username -P password [-E] [-l timeout] [-Q "query"] [-i inputfile] [-o outputfile]

Example (ecommerce):

sqlcmd -S prod-sql.company.net -d shop -U reporting -P $SQLSERVER_PWD -Q "SELECT customer_id, COUNT(*) AS order_count FROM Orders GROUP BY customer_id;"

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I connect with Windows Authentication on macOS?

Yes, install Kerberos and use sqlcmd -E after acquiring a ticket via kinit. GUI clients like ADS also support Azure AD logins.

How do I test SSL encryption?

Add -N to sqlcmd or enable “Encrypt Connection” in SSMS. Query sys.dm_exec_connections to verify encrypt_option = 'TRUE'.

Why does my GUI show "Cannot open database requested by the login"?

The login’s default database may be offline. Connect to master first, then ALTER LOGIN to set a valid default database.

Want to learn about other SQL terms?

dbt tests

dbt tests are declarative assertions in dbt that automatically validate data quality during model builds.

dbt utils

dbt utils is a community-maintained dbt package that adds time-saving utility macros for analytics engineers, such as generating surrogate keys, safely unioning models, and automating date spines.

dbt Tutorial Glossary: Build, Test & Deploy SQL Models

dbt is an open-source framework that lets data teams transform raw warehouse tables into tested, documented, production-ready datasets using version-controlled SQL.

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