How to Get All Database Names in MSSQL?

When working with MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server), you may often find yourself in a situation where you need to retrieve a list of all database names within the server. Whether you are a developer, database administrator, or simply curious about the databases present in your server, knowing how to obtain this information can be quite handy.

Here are a few simple methods you can utilize to easily get a list of all database names in MSSQL:

1. Using SQL Query:

One of the most common and straightforward ways to obtain a list of all database names in MSSQL is by running a simple SQL query. Open your preferred query editor (such as Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio) and execute the following query:

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This query selects the name of all databases from the system databases catalog view excluding the default system databases like master, tempdb, model, and msdb.

2. Using SQL Server Management Studio:

If you are using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to interact with your databases, you can also access the list of database names directly from the Object Explorer. Simply expand the 'Databases' node to view a list of all the databases residing on the server.

3. Using T-SQL System Functions:

MSSQL provides several system functions that can assist in obtaining information about databases. One such function is DB_NAME(), which returns the name of a specified database by using its database_id. Here's an example of how to use this function:

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This query retrieves the name of each database from the sys.master_files system catalog view. You can further customize this query to filter or order the results as per your requirements.

4. Leveraging Dynamic Management Views (DMVs):

Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) in MSSQL offer valuable insights into various aspects of the database server, including metadata about databases. You can query the sys.databases DMV to retrieve crucial information about databases, such as their names, size, compatibility level, and more.

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By executing the above query, you can fetch a list of all database names present in the server.

5. Using Stored Procedures:

If you prefer a more structured approach, you can create a stored procedure that encapsulates the logic to retrieve all database names. Here's a basic example of how you can achieve this:

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Once you execute this script to create the stored procedure, you can simply call it whenever you need to retrieve the list of all database names.

While these methods provide efficient ways to fetch database names in MSSQL, it's essential to ensure you have the necessary permissions to access the server's metadata. Depending on your role and level of access, you may encounter restrictions in retrieving certain information.

By employing the mentioned techniques, you can easily retrieve a comprehensive list of database names in MSSQL, enabling you to gain insights into the database landscape and make informed decisions regarding your databases.