Executing a query / SQL script

This recipe shows how you can execute either a hardcoded query or a SQL script, from PowerShell.

Getting ready

Create a file in your C:\Temp folder called SampleScript.sql. This should contain:

SELECT * 
FROM Person.Person

How to do it...

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Import the SQLPS module, and create a new SMO Server object:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. Add the following script and run it:

   $dbName = "AdventureWorks2008R2"
   $db = $server.Databases[$dbName]
   
   #execute a passthrough query, and export to a CSV file
   Invoke-Sqlcmd `
   -Query "SELECT * FROM Person.Person" `
   -ServerInstance "$instanceName" `
   -Database $dbName | 
   Export-Csv -LiteralPath "C:\Temp\ResultsFromPassThrough.csv" `
   ...