As a SQL Server Database Administrator, you may find yourself occasionally needing to troubleshoot SSIS, SSRS, or SSAS problems in Visual Studio. However, getting Visual Studio 2019 properly configured for these tasks can be a bit challenging. In this article, we will walk through the steps to set up Visual Studio 2019 for SQL Server development.

Step 1: Install Visual Studio 2019

Start by downloading the Visual Studio 2019 installer from the Visual Studio Download page. Choose the edition that suits your needs and run the installer. Select the ASP.NET and Web Development installation package, and click the Install button to begin the installation process. Once the installation is complete, reboot your computer.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Extensions

Open Visual Studio 2019 and click on the “Extensions” menu. Choose “Manage Extensions” and search for the following extensions: SQL Services Integration Services Projects, Microsoft Reporting Services Projects, and Microsoft Analysis Services Projects. Download and install each extension by clicking the “Download” button next to it.

Step 3: Configure Integration Services

To create a new Integration Services project, click on “Create a New Project” in Visual Studio. Enter “SQL” in the search bar to narrow down the project types. Unfortunately, Integration Services is not listed by default, so you will need to install the Integration Services extension. Download the extension and run the installer. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer.

To add an existing DTSX file to an Integration Services project, right-click on “SSIS Packages” and choose “Add Existing Package”. Select the location of the package and click “Open”. The package will be added to the project and automatically upgraded if necessary.

Step 4: Configure Reporting Services

To create a new Reporting Services project, click on “Create a New Project” in Visual Studio. Choose “Report Server Project Wizard” and enter the project name and location. Click “Create” to create the project. To add an existing RDL file to the project, right-click on “Reports” and choose “Add > Existing Item”. Browse for the RDL file and click “Add”. The RDL file will be added to the project.

Step 5: Configure Analysis Services

To create a new Analysis Services project, click on “Create a New Project” in Visual Studio. Choose “Analysis Services Project” and enter the project name and location. Click “Create” to create the project.

With Visual Studio 2019 properly configured for SQL Server development, you can now start troubleshooting SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS problems with ease. Happy coding!