SQL VERSION

What is the SQL VERSION() function used for?

Returns the database server’s current version string.

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Compatible dialects for SQL VERSION: MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite

SQL VERSION Full Explanation

VERSION() is a built-in scalar function (or system variable in some dialects) that returns a text string identifying the exact version of the running database engine, often including build metadata and operating system information. Although not part of the ANSI SQL standard, most major database systems expose an equivalent helper because it is invaluable for diagnostics, feature gating, conditional logic, and support tickets. In MySQL and MariaDB it is implemented as the VERSION() function; PostgreSQL offers the lowercase version() function; SQL Server exposes the @@VERSION global variable; Oracle surfaces version data through the V$VERSION and PRODUCT_COMPONENT_VERSION views; SQLite uses sqlite_version(). Because formatting is vendor-specific, always parse the string defensively if you depend on it in application code. The function is read-only and has no side effects.

SQL VERSION Syntax

-- MySQL / MariaDB
SELECT VERSION();

SQL VERSION Parameters

Example Queries Using SQL VERSION

-- MySQL / MariaDB
SELECT VERSION();

-- PostgreSQL (same function name but lowercase by convention)
SELECT version();

-- SQL Server
SELECT @@VERSION AS version;

-- Oracle
SELECT banner FROM v$version WHERE rownum = 1;

-- SQLite
SELECT sqlite_version();

Expected Output Using SQL VERSION

#VALUE!

Use Cases with SQL VERSION

Verify server version before using newly introduced syntax or features
Generate diagnostic reports for support teams
Write conditional logic in migration scripts that depends on engine capabilities
Populate monitoring dashboards with version metadata
Confirm patch levels during security audits

Common Mistakes with SQL VERSION

Forgetting the parentheses in MySQL or PostgreSQL (VERSION vs VERSION())
Assuming identical formatting across vendors
Treating it as a standard SQL feature when some engines require different syntax
Parsing the string without accounting for release candidates or distro suffixes
Using it inside highly-cached prepared statements and expecting updated values after an in-place upgrade

First Introduced In

MySQL 3.22

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SQL VERSION() actually return?

It returns a full version string that identifies the exact release and build of the database server you are connected to.

Can I rely on VERSION() in cross-database scripts?

Only if you branch your logic per vendor. The syntax and output format differ, so check the database type first.

Does VERSION() update automatically after an in-place upgrade?

Yes. Because it queries the running server, the returned value reflects the current version without a restart of your client.

Is there a standard-SQL alternative?

No. The SQL standard does not define a built-in that reports server version, so you must use the vendor’s approach.