Are you ready to dive into the world of SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)? In this blog post, we will discuss the tools you need to get started with SSIS and how to install them.

Over the years, there have been some changes in the way SQL Server tools are installed. The SQL Server Engine, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) are now separate installations. The latest versions of SSMS and SSDT are v17 and are available for free download. Additionally, the SQL Server Developer edition is also free if you sign up for Visual Studio Dev Essentials.

Let’s start by downloading SSDT. Once the download is complete, run the installer. During the installation process, you can choose which components to install. If you don’t need Analysis Services tools, you can uncheck that option. Unfortunately, if you uncheck Reporting Services, SSDT will also be unchecked as they are bundled together.

After going through the usual legal acceptance page, the installation will begin. Depending on your machine, it may take a few minutes to complete. Once the installation is finished, you will be prompted to restart your computer. It is recommended to do so to ensure a smooth experience.

After rebooting, you can launch SSDT for 2015. You will have the option to sign in with your Microsoft account and associate it with Visual Studio. Once you’re signed in, you’re ready to start using SSDT!

SSDT is essentially a set of modules for Visual Studio. If you already have Visual Studio installed, the modules will be added to your existing installation. If you don’t have Visual Studio, a minimal “Integrated Shell” version of Visual Studio 2015 will be installed along with SSDT.

With SSDT installed, you can now start building SSIS packages and exploring the powerful features it offers. Stay tuned for future blog posts where we will dive deeper into SSIS and cover various concepts and techniques.

Happy coding!