Have you ever wondered if there is a way to change the order of columns in the grid output of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)? In this blog post, we will discuss a handy trick that allows you to do just that.
During a recent SQL Server User Group meeting, I had the opportunity to attend a session by Vinod, where he shared some valuable tips and tricks. One of the topics that caught my attention was the ability to reorder columns in the grid view of SSMS.
Traditionally, when we want to change the order of columns in a query result set, we would need to modify the query itself. However, in SSMS, there is a nifty feature that allows you to rearrange the columns in the grid view without altering the query.
Let’s take a look at how this works. In the grid view of SSMS, you can simply click and drag a column header to a new position. A red bar will appear to indicate the new position of the column. For example, you can move the “ModifiedDate” column on top of the “GroupName” column.
This feature is not only useful for visualizing the data in a different order, but it can also be handy when you want to compare values between columns or perform quick analysis.
It’s important to note that this trick only affects the display of the data in the grid view and does not change the underlying query or the order of the columns in the actual result set.
Do you have any other tricks or tips for working with the grid view in SSMS? I would love to hear about them in the comments below. Share the “wow” moments you have experienced while using SSMS with your colleagues.
While this trick may not be a game-changer for everyone, it’s always good to know about these hidden gems in SQL Server Management Studio that can make our lives a little easier.
So, the next time you find yourself needing to switch the order of columns in the grid view of SSMS, give this trick a try. It might just save you some time and effort.
NOTE: It’s worth mentioning that if you need to permanently change the order of columns in the result set, you should modify the query itself. This blog post is focused on the SSMS trick that allows you to quickly rearrange columns in the grid view.