Yesterday I had faced error when I was connecting SQL Server using 127.0.0.1. I had immediately checked if SQL Server is working perfectly by connecting to it by specifiing my local box computer. While I was doing this suddenly I realize that it is indeed interesting to know how many different way we can connect to SQL Server which is installed in the local box.

I created list of 5 different way but I am sure there are many more ways and I would like to document there here. Here is my setup. I am attempting to connect to the default instance of SQL Server from the same system where it is installed.

Method 1: Connecting using local host IP 127.0.0.1

Method 2: Connecting using just a single dot (.)

Method 3: Connecting using (local)

Method 4: Connecting using localhost

Method 5: Connecting using computer name – in my case it is BIG

Here are my two questions for you? (Scroll below the image)

1) Which is your favorite method?

2) What are other methods you are familiar with to connect to local host?

Reference: Pinal Dave (http://blog.SQLAuthority.com)