SQL Server Principals

Principals are entities (individuals, groups, and processes) that can request SQL Server resources. They can be arranged in a hierarchy, and they can be indivisible or a collection. A Windows Login is an example of an indivisible principal, and a Windows Group is an example of a principal that is a collection. The following categories of SQL Server principals are supported in this product:

  • Windows

    Examples: Windows Domain Login and Windows Local Login

  • Server

    Example: SQL Server Login

  • Database

    Examples: Database User, Database Role, and Application Role

More information:

Define SQL Server Application Roles

Define SQL Server Database Roles

Define SQL Server Logins

Define SQL Server Users