As SQL Server professionals, we all know that mistakes can happen, and sometimes these mistakes can have serious consequences for our jobs. However, there are ways to minimize the risk of errors and make our work more efficient.
In a recent conversation with a friend, he mentioned how he found my blog post on customizing the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) status bar to be helpful. He particularly liked the idea of color coding the status bar to indicate different server environments. However, he also mentioned that the default location of the status bar at the bottom of the SSMS window made it less convenient for him, especially with his high-resolution screen.
With the increasing popularity of larger screens and higher resolutions, it’s important to adapt our tools to suit our needs. Fortunately, SSMS provides a simple solution to this problem. By moving the status bar to the top of the window, it becomes more visible and easily accessible while working with code.
To change the location of the status bar in SSMS, follow these steps:
- Click on “Tools” in the menu bar.
- Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Options window, navigate to “Text Editor” -> “Editor Tab and Status Bar”.
- Change the location of the “Status bar location” to “Top”.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Once you have made this adjustment, open a new query window to see the effect. The status bar will now be located at the top of the SSMS window, making it more visible and easily accessible.
I personally find this customization option to be a valuable addition to SSMS, and it’s surprising that it is not widely known or utilized. I’m curious to know if you have ever used this option in your own environments. Has it been useful for you? Has it helped you avoid mistakes in the wrong environment? I would love to hear your stories and experiences with these settings.
Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.