Steve Endow

SQL Server Management Studio’s Intellisense can be unreliable. Sometimes it works seamlessly, while other times it’s inconsistent or completely absent. Even when functional, it can be slow and not always helpful.

Victoria Yudin, creator of GP Reports Viewer, introduced me to SQL Prompt by Red Gate Software. This tool provides robust and efficient Intellisense within SQL Management Studio.

It’s incredibly responsive, offering immediate suggestions and filtering as you type. Not only does it propose object names, but it also presents related information like field names and data types.

SQL Prompt also supports “snippets,” which are shortcuts that expand into full SQL statements with the Tab key. For example, typing “ssf” and pressing Tab generates “SELECT * FROM” and then displays a table list.

This “auto code” feature significantly speeds up coding by automatically writing parameters and formatting code cleanly.

While initially impressed, there are a couple of downsides. The $369 price tag, although fair for its capabilities, might be expensive for individual consultants.

Secondly, like many specialized tools, its absence on client servers can be frustrating after becoming accustomed to its features.

Despite these minor drawbacks, SQL Prompt appears to be a valuable utility.

Steve Endow is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics GP and a Dynamics GP Certified IT Professional in Los Angeles.  He is the owner of Precipio Services, which provides Dynamics GP integrations, customizations, and automation solutions.

You can also find him onGoogle+andTwitter

http://www.precipioservices.com