find out what version of SQL Server we are using

 To find out what version of SQL Server you're using, you can use one of the following methods:

1. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

   • Open SQL Server Management Studio.
   • Connect to the SQL Server instance.
   • Once connected, right-click on the server name in the Object Explorer.
   • Select "Properties".
   • In the "General" tab, you will see the version and edition information.

2. Using Transact-SQL (T-SQL):

   • Open a new query window in SQL Server Management Studio.

   • Execute the following query:

     sql
     SELECT @@VERSION;
     

   • This will return a result showing the version, edition, and other information about your SQL Server instance.

3. Using Command Prompt (for SQL Server installed locally):

   • Open Command Prompt.

   • Navigate to the SQL Server installation directory (usually something like C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL<version_number>.<instance_name>\MSSQL\Binn).

   • Execute the following command:

     cmd
     sqlservr.exe -v
     

   • This will display the version information.

4. Using the Registry (for SQL Server installed locally):

   • Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\.
   • Under this key, you will see subkeys for each installed instance. Look for the instance you're interested in, and within that subkey, check the value of CurrentVersion. This will give you the version number.

These methods should help you determine the version of SQL Server you are using.