How to Run SQL Script File in SQL Server Database? [Effective Methods]

SQL script files are essential for database maintenance, migrations, and deployments. But running SQL Scripts in SQL Server smoothly needs to have answers to these common questions:

• Which tool should you use?
• Can you run a SQL script file without opening it in SSMS?
• How do you make sure the script runs in the correct database?
  and so on…

The blog addresses all of these questions and provides multiple ways to run a SQL Script file in a SQL Server database. Read the complete blog to avoid common mistakes and execute scripts confidently with the right tools and methods.

A SQL Script File (.sql): Quick Overview & Its Applications

A SQL Script file contains one or more SQL commands that you can execute together. The file is useful in automating the data operations. You can use the SQL scripts to execute a complete set of instructions at once to save time in production or multi-environment setups.

A SQL Script usually stores the following commands:

• CREATE DATABASE, CREATE TABLE, or ALTER TABLE
• INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements.
• Stored procedures, views, and triggers.
• Index creation and schema changes.
• Data migration or cleanup queries.

Important SQL Script Checks: Verify Them First

Here is the list of essential checklists that you must verify before executing an SQL Script to avoid potential errors.

• The target database exists, or the script creates it.
• Identify the database to run the script against it.
• Script encoding must be correct (UTF-8 is suggested).
• Backup recent databases, especially in case of production.
• Make sure the SQL Server service is running and accessible.
• You need the appropriate permissions to execute SQL Scripts.

Best Ways to Run SQL Script File in SQL Server Database

Check out this section to get the different solutions to run SQL Script files. Try them one by one to find the most appropriate method for yourself.

Way 1. Execute SQL Script File in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SSMS is the first beginner-friendly method that helps users run SQL Script files. Here’s how:

1. Open SSMS and Connect to SQL Server Instance.
2. Tap on File>Open>File to continue.
3. Browse to select SQL file and go to the toolbar.
4. Select the target database from the dropdown and review the script.
5. Click on Execute or press F5 key to proceed.
6. Once done, check the Messages or Results tab.

Way 2. Use Command Line to Run SQL Script File

Large SQL Script files often freeze or crash the SSMS. So, execute the script without opening it in SSMS. Here’s how:

1. Locate the SQL Script file in SSMS.
2. Access the Command Prompt on your system.
3. Run the given cmdlet to navigate the SQL Script.

   cd C:\SQLScripts

4. Run .sql file in CMD line using the following command.

   sqlcmd -S ServerName -d DatabaseName -E -i LargeScript.sql

   Parameters symbolize:
   -s: SQL Server name
   -d: Target database
   -E: Windows Authentication
   -i- Input file (your .sql file)

   Execute the following command if you are using SQL Authentication.
   

   sqlcmd -S ServerName -d DatabaseName -U Username -P Password -i LargeScript.sql

5. Save Execution Output to a Log File with the provided cmdlet.

   sqlcmd -S ServerName -d DatabaseName -E -i LargeScript.sql -o OutputLog.txt

   You can review the log file to check:

   • Errors
   • Warnings
   • Affected rows
   • Execution status
6. Monitor the execution process and wait till the process completion.
7. After execution, Open SSMS and Connect the database to verify changes.

Way 3. Execute SQL Script for Specific Database

Here are two ways to run the script file from SQL Server to a specific database.

Pro Tip: Always use one of the provided methods to run the script on multiple database holding servers.

Option 1. Add the USE Statement on top of your SQL Script:

USE DatabaseName;
GO

Option 2. Specify the database in sqlcmd using the given cmdlet.

sqlcmd -S ServerName -d DatabaseName -i script.sql

Way 4. Use PowerShell to Run SQL Script File

PowerShell is another top solution to automate the scheduled tasks and error handling. Mostly, IT Administrators and DevOps engineers use this method. Here are the complete steps:

1. Access the PowerShell wizard to proceed.
2. Make sure that the SQL Server module is available.
3. Execute the given command to run SQL Script file.

   Invoke-Sqlcmd -ServerInstance “ServerName” -Database “DatabaseName” -InputFile “C:\SQLScripts\script.sql”

Way 5. Execute SQL Script Using SQL Server Agent Job

The SQL Server Agent is the best option for SSMS users to automate the script file execution on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Here’s how:

1. Open SSMS and expand SQL Server Agent.
2. Right-click on Jobs and proceed to New Job.
3. Add a new Job Step and select Transact-SQL Script (T-SQL).
4. Paste the SQL Script or reference file. Then, set a schedule if needed.
5. Save and enable the job to automate the execution process.
6. Monitor the job execution or failures through Job History.

Important to Know: You can run SQL script online with the help of different tools that are available on the internet. However, this method is less preferred by users due to security concerns. So, use the option as a last resort or switch to trusted and professional solutions.

Common Errors & Fixes of SQL Script File Execution

You may face different errors when you execute SQL Script file in SQL Server. Here they are:

• Syntax errors.
• Timeout expired.
• The object already exists.
• Permission denied errors.
• Script files stop in the midway.
  Try the listed solutions to fix common errors.
• Run scripts inside transactions:

  BEGIN TRAN
  — SQL commands
  COMMIT

• Use the TRY…CATCH blocks.
• Log output during sqlcmd or PowerShell.
• Test scripts in stages before production.

Smart Tips to Evade Future Problems for SQL Script Files

Use the provided best practices to avoid potential errors while running SQL Script files. Here are the primary ones:

• Keep the same SQL Script file to run multiple times.
• Document the script’s purpose and changes properly.
• Always test the SQL Script in a non-production environment.
• Make sure to backup the database before the Script file execution.
• Avoid hard-coded database names to reduce the chances of mistakes.
• Use version control Git to manage changes to the schema and related scripts.

Let’s Recap

Executing the SQL Script file is one of the simplest tasks if you know the right steps and platforms. The SQL Server provides multiple ways to run SQL Script file in SQL Server databases, and the blog covers all of them. You can analyze all the provided methods to choose the right one based on script size, frequency, and environment.
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FAQs: Common Queries, Fast Solutions

Q. Can I run a SQL Script file without using SSMS?

A. Yes, you can use sqlcmd, PowerShell, or online tools to execute SQL Script files without SSMS.

Q. How do I run a very large SQL Script file?

A. You can use the sqlcmd to run large SQL Script files without facing performance issues.

Q. What is the best way to run SQL Script files in a multi-database environment?

A. You can specify a database in sqlcmd or the USE Statement options to execute SQL Scripts in multiple database environments for a particular database.

Q. Is it safe to run SQL Scripts on production?

A. Yes, only if you take backups, test script files, and follow the provided best practices.