SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a powerful client tool for SQL Server that allows users to perform administrative and development tasks. One of the useful features of SSMS is the Code Snippet feature, which allows users to quickly write queries without any syntax errors. In this article, we will explore the Code Snippet feature in SSMS and discuss ways to customize it.
Inserting Code Snippets
To insert a code snippet in SSMS, open a new query window and right-click on the query editor. From the options menu, select “Insert Snippet” or press CTRL+K. This will display a list of snippet categories, such as Function, Index, Login, Role, Schema, Stored procedure, Synonym, Table, Trigger, User, User-defined data type, User-defined table type, and User-defined View. Choose the desired category and select the specific snippet you want to use. The snippet will be inserted into the query editor, and you can customize it as per your requirements.
Using the Surround With Feature
In addition to inserting code snippets, SSMS also provides a “Surround With” feature that allows users to insert templates of code blocks, such as Begin, While, and If logic. To use this feature, open a code block, highlight the desired section of code, and press CTRL+K followed by CTRL+S. This will display a list of available templates, such as Begin, If, and While. Choose the desired template, and it will surround the highlighted code section. You can then modify the code as needed.
Managing Code Snippets
SSMS also provides a Code Snippets Manager that allows users to manage the available code snippets. To access the Code Snippets Manager, navigate to the “Tools” menu and click on “Code Snippets Manager” or press CTRL+K followed by CTRL+B. In the Code Snippets Manager, you can view, add, remove, and import code snippets. You can also create custom code snippets by modifying existing snippets or creating new ones. The Code Snippets Manager provides a convenient way to organize and customize your code snippets.
Customizing Code Snippets
To customize a code snippet, locate the snippet file in the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 18\Common7\IDE\SQL\Snippets\1033\Table\Create Table.snippet). Make a copy of the snippet file and open it in a text editor or XML editor. You can then modify the XML code to customize the snippet. For example, you can change the title, description, author, schema, column names, and data types. Save the modified snippet with a different name and import it into the Code Snippets Manager. The customized snippet will now be available for use in SSMS.
Conclusion
The Code Snippet feature in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly write queries without any syntax errors. By customizing code snippets, users can further enhance their productivity and tailor the snippets to their specific needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced SQL Server user, the Code Snippet feature in SSMS can greatly simplify and streamline your query writing process.