The term "database instance" is often misunderstood because it means different things to different vendors. The most common usage is in connection with Oracle database implementations.
What is a SQL Server Instance (Non-Technical) | Beginner
In general, a database instance describes a complete database environment and all of its components. This system includes multiple components, including the relational database management system (RDBMS) software, table structure, stored procedures, and other functionality.
Database administrators can create multiple instances of the same database for different purposes. For example, an organization with an employee database might have three instances:
If you have an Oracle database, you know that a database instance means something very specific.