As a SQL Server enthusiast, I have always been a fan of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). It has been my go-to tool for managing and working with SQL Server databases. However, recently I came across Azure Data Studio (ADS) and heard claims that it might replace SSMS in the long run. Intrigued by this statement, I decided to explore the main differences between Azure Data Studio and SSMS.
Operating Systems Supported
One of the first noticeable differences between Azure Data Studio and SSMS is the operating systems they support. While SSMS is limited to Windows, Azure Data Studio is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. This cross-platform compatibility of Azure Data Studio gives it an edge over SSMS.
Chart Viewer
Azure Data Studio offers a feature to create charts, which can be enhanced by downloading the SandDance extension. On the other hand, SSMS lacks a built-in charting capability and relies on third-party plugins. The charts created in Azure Data Studio are visually appealing, making it a winner in this aspect.
Import and Export Options
When it comes to importing and exporting data, SSMS requires additional installations such as SQL Server Integration Services or SQL Server Data Tools. In contrast, Azure Data Studio provides easy and direct options to export data to Excel, JSON, CSV, and XML. For importing data, an extension called SQL Server Import needs to be installed. Azure Data Studio simplifies the import and export process, making it a preferred choice for quick and efficient data handling.
Dark Mode Theme
While this may not be a critical factor, many users, including myself, appreciate the availability of a dark theme. SSMS can be customized to have a dark theme, but it requires modifying the ssms.pkgundef file. Azure Data Studio, on the other hand, offers a dark theme out of the box, making it more user-friendly in terms of customization.
Schema Compare
Azure Data Studio includes a useful extension for comparing schemas, whereas SSMS lacks a built-in schema compare option. This feature in Azure Data Studio simplifies the task of comparing database object schemas, giving it an advantage over SSMS.
Spatial Data Viewer
For those working with spatial data, SSMS provides a spatial data viewer, which is not available in Azure Data Studio. This specific feature makes SSMS a preferred choice for spatial data visualization.
Language Editions
SSMS supports various languages related to SQL Server, such as T-SQL, XMLA, DMX, MDX, and TMSL. While Azure Data Studio also supports T-SQL, it goes beyond SQL Server technologies and allows you to write code for PowerShell, Python, R, XML, XSL, YAML, and more. This broader language support makes Azure Data Studio a versatile tool for handling not only SQL Server but also other technologies.
Notebooks
Notebooks are a beloved feature among programmers as they allow for code documentation, reuse, and sharing. Azure Data Studio includes support for notebooks, while SSMS does not have this feature. Notebooks provide an additional level of flexibility and collaboration, making Azure Data Studio a preferred choice for developers.
Features Unique to SSMS
SSMS has its own set of features that are not available in Azure Data Studio. These include Always On configuration, Always Encrypted options, Data Tuning Advisor, Error Log viewer, table diagrams, replication creation, SQL Server Brokers, XEvent administration, Vulnerability Assessment, SQL Mail configuration, and Polybase. These features make SSMS indispensable for certain SQL Server administrative tasks.
Features Unique to Azure Data Studio
Azure Data Studio also offers several features that are not included in SSMS. These include the ability to connect to Hadoop, a PostgreSQL extension for connecting to PostgreSQL databases, source code control integration, various extensions for different databases, and an Azure Data CLI extension. These additional features make Azure Data Studio a powerful tool for working with a wide range of data platforms.
Conclusion
After exploring both Azure Data Studio and SSMS, it is clear that each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses. Azure Data Studio, being an open-source tool, has a growing number of extensions and features that make it increasingly powerful. However, SSMS still holds its ground with its extensive SQL Server administrative capabilities.
For developers, Azure Data Studio offers a more versatile and modern environment with features like charting, schema compare, language support, and notebooks. On the other hand, DBAs may find SSMS more suitable for specific SQL Server administrative tasks.
In conclusion, the winner in this comparison is Azure Data Studio. Its cross-platform compatibility, modern features, and growing ecosystem of extensions make it a strong contender for the future. However, SSMS still remains a reliable and essential tool for SQL Server administrators.
As a SQL Server enthusiast, I plan to continue using SSMS while also exploring Azure Data Studio to complement my workflow. It’s always beneficial to have multiple tools in your arsenal to tackle different scenarios.
What are your thoughts on Azure Data Studio and SSMS? Have you made the switch or do you prefer one over the other? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!