By Steve Endow
This article presents several helpful tips for using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) more efficiently.
A video demonstrating these tips is available.
- Utilize the Object Explorer Details Window: Many users are unaware of the time-saving benefits offered by the Object Explorer Details window. Instead of solely relying on the Object Explorer pane for finding tables or stored procedures, pressing F7 to open the Details window significantly speeds up navigation and search. The video provides a demonstration of this feature.
- Double-Click Error Messages for Quick Navigation: When troubleshooting complex queries, double-clicking on an error message in SSMS will automatically direct you to the specific line of code causing the issue.
- Enable Line Numbers for Easy Reference: Displaying line numbers within the query window makes it simpler to pinpoint specific lines, especially when dealing with error messages or collaborative debugging.
- Effortlessly Transfer Query Results with Headers: When copying query results to Excel, using the “Copy with Headers” feature (right-click the blank square above row 1 or use CTRL+SHIFT+C) simplifies data transfer by automatically including column headers.
- Directly Save Query Results as Text Files: While less frequent, the option to save query results directly to a text file can be useful. SSMS provides comma or tab-delimited formatting for text output. However, it’s essential to note that the comma-delimited option might not create a fully CSV-compliant file, as it doesn’t automatically enclose text values containing commas within apostrophes.
- Improve SSMS Display Scaling on High-Resolution Screens: On high DPI displays, like 4K monitors or high-resolution laptops, SSMS might appear poorly scaled. This issue can be resolved by implementing the fixes detailed in a SQL Server Central post, as demonstrated in the video. The post provides a solution for adjusting the scaling to display appropriate icon sizes and readable text.
Before the fix, icons may appear small, and text might seem squeezed.
After applying the fix, the scaling is improved, resulting in a better visual experience.
Hopefully, these tips offer valuable insights for enhancing productivity when working with SQL Server Management Studio.
Steve Endow is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics GP and a Dynamics GP Certified IT Professional in Los Angeles. He owns Precipio Services, which provides Dynamics GP integrations, customizations, and automation solutions.
You can also find him on Twitter, YouTube, and Google+
http://www.precipioservices.com
