As a SQL Server user, it is always exciting to see new updates and features being released. Recently, I came across the notification about the release of dbForge SQL Complete 5.5 and decided to update to the new version. After using it for a week, I wanted to share my impressions and experiences with the new version of SQL Complete.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the integration with SSMS 2016. SSMS 2016 has become my main working tool, and the seamless integration with SQL Complete has made my workflow even smoother. The new version of SSMS includes a plethora of innovations, including Live Query Statistics, which has quickly become one of my favorite features.

In addition to the SSMS 2016 integration, SQL Complete now supports the new syntax of SQL Server 2016. Previously, when writing articles on the new syntax, I had to refer to MSDN for guidance. However, with the new version of SQL Complete, I no longer need to do that. The tool automatically suggests the correct syntax, making my writing process much more efficient.

One of the features that I found particularly useful is the suggestion of DDL constructions. SQL Complete prompts me with suggestions for GROUP and ORDER BY clauses, saving me time and reducing the chances of making syntax errors. Furthermore, the suggestion feature has been improved for CROSS/OUTER APPLY constructions, which I frequently use. This feature has not only helped me with tasks like UNPIVOT, but also influenced the execution plan, allowing me to optimize data access.

Another handy addition to SQL Complete is the “Execute to cursor” command in the context menu. This command has come in handy multiple times during my practice, allowing me to execute queries up to a specific point, saving time and effort.

SQL Complete 5.5 also introduces two new formatting profiles, which have been a time-saver for me. Instead of setting up the formatting style for each construction from scratch, I can now choose from the pre-defined profiles. This has significantly improved the readability and maintainability of my queries.

Under the hood, I noticed that the new version of SQL Complete has improved the speed when working with large scripts. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently edit synchronization scripts of a schema or data. The performance boost has been noticeable, even with scripts larger than 1MB.

In conclusion, the new version of dbForge SQL Complete 5.5 has brought several enhancements and improvements to SQL Server users. The integration with SSMS 2016, support for the new syntax of SQL Server 2016, and the various suggestion features have made my SQL development process more efficient and error-free. The addition of new formatting profiles and the improved performance with large scripts have further enhanced my experience with SQL Complete.

If you are interested in trying out the new version of SQL Complete, you can download it here.