Have you ever used the Template Browser feature in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)? If not, you’re not alone. Many SQL Server users are unaware of this useful feature that can save time and simplify their workflow.

Template Browser is like a quick cheat sheet or quick reference for creating various objects in SQL Server, such as databases, tables, views, indexes, stored procedures, triggers, statistics, and functions. It is also available for Analysis Services.

To access the Template Browser, go to the View menu in SSMS and click on “Template Explorer” or use the shortcut CTRL+ALT+T. This will open a window with a list of categories and a folder structure.

Let’s take the “Index” folder as an example. Inside this folder, you will find various T-SQL scripts related to creating indexes. You can double-click on a script to open it or drag it into the editor area to modify it as needed.

One of the key features of Template Browser is the ability to customize the template scripts using parameters. When you open a template, you can use the “Replace Template Parameters” dialog box (shortcut: CTRL+SHIFT+M) to insert values into the script. This allows you to quickly generate code that fits your specific requirements.

Furthermore, you can create your own custom templates with a folder structure. This is particularly useful if you frequently use certain scripts or have specific coding standards.

Aside from its practical use for creating objects, Template Browser can also be a valuable learning tool. By exploring the various templates and scripts, you can discover new features and T-SQL commands. It’s a great way to expand your SQL Server knowledge.

Next time you’re working in SSMS, take a moment to explore the Template Browser. It may just become your go-to tool for quickly generating code and learning new SQL Server concepts.