Are you tired of spending hours searching for specific database objects or analyzing dependencies in SQL Server? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to ApexSQL Search, a powerful and free SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio add-in that will revolutionize your database searching and dependency analysis.
Database Object Search
ApexSQL Search allows you to search for any object within your SQL Server database, whether it’s a table, view, stored procedure, or even a system object. To initiate the object search, simply right-click on the database or any object from the Object Explorer pane and select the “Database object search” option from the ApexSQL Search menu.
Once the search is initiated, you can customize the search options to include matches from the object name, object body, system objects, or even search for an exact match. You can also narrow down the search to specific object types using the Object type filter. The search results are displayed in a grid, where you can perform various commands using the right-click context menu.
With ApexSQL Search, you can easily navigate to the specific object from the results grid to the Object Explorer using the “Navigate to object explorer node” option. You can also copy the content of each cell to the clipboard or save the complete list of search results in different formats.
Dependency Viewer
Understanding the dependencies between database objects is crucial for efficient database management. ApexSQL Search provides a Dependency Viewer that allows you to visualize and analyze the dependencies of any selected object with just a single click.
To access the Dependency Viewer, right-click on an individual object or the database itself and select the “View dependencies” option from the ApexSQL Search menu. The Dependency Viewer form will open, displaying a graphical representation of the object dependencies.
The Dependency Viewer includes several panes to manage the appearance and accuracy of the dependencies. The Object filter pane allows you to narrow down the scope of objects shown in the diagram, while the Object browser pane helps you filter through the individual object list. The Dependencies pane lists all the dependent objects for the selected object, and the Overview pane provides a general overview of the entire diagram.
Database Text Search
In addition to searching for database objects, ApexSQL Search also allows you to perform text searches within your SQL Server database. Simply right-click on the database or any object and select the “Database text search” option from the ApexSQL Search menu.
Before starting the search process, you can customize various options, such as selecting specific tables to search, including system objects, and even searching for empty or null fields. The search results are displayed in a grid, where you can perform the same commands as in the database object search.
One unique feature of ApexSQL Search is the ability to view additional details for each search result. By clicking the ellipsis button for a specific search result, you can see the exact row in a table where the result is found.
Safe Rename
Renaming database objects can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to managing dependencies. ApexSQL Search offers a “Safe rename” option that allows you to rename tables, views, stored procedures, functions, columns, and parameters without breaking any dependencies.
With the Safe rename option, you can easily move an object from one schema to another. ApexSQL Search will generate a script that can be reviewed and modified in the query window. The Sequence tab in the Safe rename form shows all the actions that will be executed prior to the renaming process.
Extended Property Editor
Managing extended properties in SQL Server can be a tedious task. ApexSQL Search simplifies this process with its Extended Property Editor feature. You can review existing extended properties and add new ones with ease.
To access the Extended Property Editor, right-click on an object or the database and select the “Edit extended properties” option from the ApexSQL Search menu. You can then click the ellipsis button to view or modify the extended property. Any changes made will be saved directly in the database.
ApexSQL Search is a must-have tool for any SQL Server developer or administrator. It simplifies the process of searching for database objects, analyzing dependencies, performing text searches, renaming objects, and managing extended properties. Download ApexSQL Search today and take your SQL Server management to the next level!