SQL Server is a powerful database management system that offers a wide range of features to enhance productivity and streamline development. In this article, we will explore some of the key features of SQL Server and how they can be used to improve your coding experience.

Auto-complete using the hint list

One of the most useful features of SQL Server is the auto-complete functionality. This feature provides intelligent code completion through the hint list, allowing you to quickly find and fill in SQL keywords, database schema, object names, parameters, and variables. For example, when typing “CRE”, the hint list will appear with the CREATE keyword. You can also drill down to the column level and choose a specific column directly from the hint list. Additionally, you can view the complete script of any object from the hint list by hovering over it with your mouse.

Snippets library and using snippets

The Snippets feature in SQL Server allows you to insert custom-made T-SQL code snippets and commonly used SQL statements into your scripts. You can either use snippets from the built-in library, which contains over 200 snippets, or create your own snippets. To use a predefined snippet, simply select it from the hint list and it will be automatically inserted into your query. To create a new snippet, you can either use the Snippets tab in the add-in options or directly from the query window. Snippets can be a great time-saver when writing repetitive code or complex queries.

Tab navigation

The Tab navigation feature in SQL Server helps you keep track of all opened and recently closed tabs. This feature is especially useful when working with multiple query windows or when you need to recover tabs from a previous session. By enabling the Tab navigation feature, you can easily navigate to any of the opened or closed tabs and continue working where you left off. The Tab navigation pane provides details such as tab caption, creation date and time, and allows you to search for specific content within the queries.

Executed queries

The Executed queries feature in SQL Server keeps a log of all executed queries, allowing you to easily browse through the list and revisit any of them at any time. This feature is helpful for tracking query history, analyzing performance, and troubleshooting. The Executed queries form provides details about each query, including the date of execution, status (success or failure), user, related database, and execution duration. You can search and filter the list based on specific criteria, and double-clicking on a query will open it in the query editor for further analysis.

Copy result as

The Copy result as feature in SQL Server allows you to copy query execution results and save them in various formats such as CSV, HTML, or XML. This feature is useful when you need to export query results for further analysis or sharing with others. Simply right-click on the results grid and select the desired format to copy the results in the chosen format.

These are just a few of the many features that SQL Server offers to enhance your coding experience. By leveraging these features, you can improve productivity, reduce errors, and streamline your development process. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced SQL developer, exploring and utilizing these features will undoubtedly make your SQL Server journey more efficient and enjoyable.