What is the difference between isql and osql?

ISQL and OSQL are important because they function in similar ways to the SQL query server analyzers. OSQL and ISQL are both connectivity tool that allows a SQL server to run all its SQL commands. OSQL is a command-line utility in which its main function is to provide an interface for the ODBC -based query to the SQL server. Another major use is that it allows users to interactively enter transact SQL statements. The output of OSQL is normally directed toward a text file that can be displayed in a command prompt. OSQL supports Unicode.

ISQL is a utility that allows a transact SQL statements to be entered. It uses the DB- library for communicating with Microsoft SQL Server 2000. It does not support Unicode; it supports ANSI formats. The setup of ISQL is based on ODBC.

It can be confusing to know what these things are when you are not even familiar with what they are. These are known to be connectivity tools. They are used to ensure that SQL commands can be properly used. OSQL will allow the users to provide details on how a job should be performed.

The main function of the ISQL is different. This is meant to make sure that SQL statements can be properly transacted. Another difference is the things that they support. OSQL will have the ability to support Unicode while ISQL will only work with the ANSI format and will not support Unicode at all.