What is the difference between Shrink Database and File?

Simply...

• DBCC ShrinkDatabase(): shrink all files
• DBCC ShrinkFile(): just one file

For example, you may have a log backup issue and it's grown out of control so you run DBCC ShrinkFile().

You almost never use ShrinkDatabase.

Before you consider using either command, please read Paul Randal's blog on shrinking.

I'd shrink neither one of the files (mdf, ldf) unless there was a clear reason. The files are the size they are because they need to be. Any blogs suggesting to do so as part of regular maintenance probably don't understand how SQL Server works.

A default database has two files

MyDb.MDF and MyDb.LDF

The MDF file is the data file where the primary partition resides. Depending on your needs, you can partition a database into multiple files. This is done so that data (single or multiple tables) can span multiple files that usually are put on separate hard drives to achieve a higher performance.

If you shrink a database, all files associated with that database will be shrunk.

If you shrink a file, then only the chosen file will be shrunk.

You only need to use the Shrink Database command. But it is not usually a good practice to do this and is not a recommended practice either.

If you tell us what the issue is that you are experiencing, we can give you more information on how to resolve it.