SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a powerful tool that replaced Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS) with the release of SQL Server 2012. It is used to create Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services projects, as well as SQL Server Database Projects. In this article, we will explore the installation process of SSDT using different methods, the components installed with SSDT, and how to uninstall it.

Installing SSDT – Online Method

To install SSDT, you can visit the Microsoft Docs site and download the SSDTSetup.exe file. This file will initiate the installation process. During the installation, you can choose to install all the tools or select specific ones based on your requirements. The installation process is quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes.

Installing SSDT – Offline Method

If you have restricted internet access or need to install SSDT on multiple machines, you can download the ISO file from the Microsoft Docs site. The ISO file contains all the necessary files for installation. After downloading the ISO file, you can mount it using PowerShell and copy the contents to your local machine. The installation process remains the same as the online method.

Installing SSDT – Command-line Method

The command-line method is useful for large-scale installations. You can use the downloaded ISO file and unpack its contents to create an unattended installer. This method is particularly helpful for developers who frequently rebuild their virtual workstations. By specifying the installation parameters at the command line, you can automate the installation process.

Components Installed with SSDT

When you install SSDT, it adds several components to your machine. One notable component is Visual Studio 2015 Integrated Shell, which provides SQL Server project types and the SQL Server Object Explorer for Database Projects. Another component is SQL Server Express LocalDB, which is used by SSDT for its functionality. Additionally, there are other components installed to support SSDT, bringing the total number of installed applications to 99.

Launching SSDT for the First Time

After the installation is complete, you can launch SSDT by clicking on the SQL Server Data Tools 2015 application. The first time you run SSDT, you will have the option to customize the development settings and choose a color scheme. These settings can be changed later if needed.

Adding or Removing Tools

If you want to add or remove tools from an existing SSDT installation, you can do so easily. By launching the SSDT installer and choosing the Modify option, you can select the additional tools you want to install or remove specific components. The process is similar to the initial installation process.

Uninstalling SSDT

To uninstall SSDT, you can use the same procedures as the installation process. Launch the SSDT setup and choose the Uninstall option. However, note that some components of SSDT may not be automatically uninstalled. You can refer to the documentation for more information on these components.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the installation process of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) using different methods – online, offline, and command-line. We have also discussed the components installed with SSDT and how to uninstall it. SSDT is a powerful tool that enables developers to create various data projects and work efficiently with SQL Server.

Stay tuned for the next article in this series, where we will dive into creating Integration Services packages and demonstrate how to import and manipulate data using SSIS.