How to find out SQL Server default instance name?

Question

I have three SQL server instances on my computer. How can I find out which is the default one?

var conn = new SqlConnection("Data Source=.;Initial Catalog=SampleDb;Integrated Security=True")

I want to learn when I use '.' as above which database I will use.

The "." indicates the default local instance. Local named instances can be accessed by specifying ".\<instance-name>". The default instance may be accessed locally or remotely using "<host-name-or-ip-address>". Named instances can be accessed locally or remotely using "<host-name-or-ip-address>\<instance-name>" or "<host-name-or-ip-address>,<port-number>" specifications. — Dan Guzman
– Dan Guzman, Commented Jul 20, 2014 at 15:11

usr · Accepted Answer · 2014-07-20 14:12:32Z

2

You can only have more than one instance per OS installation if all of them have different instance names. The data source property has the format

HOST\INSTANCENAME

You are connecting to the default instance (of which there can only be one).

answered Jul 20, 2014 at 13:41

usr

172k38 gold badges251 silver badges380 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Answer 1