SQL Server Management Studio 18: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

As a Dev, you must be familiar with SQL Server Management Studio, the integrated environment for managing SQL Server. And with the recent release of SQL Server Management Studio 18, Microsoft has introduced a host of new features and improvements that make it easier and more efficient to work with SQL Server. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into SQL Server Management Studio 18 and explore its various features, enhancements, and functionalities. So, let’s get started!

What is SQL Server Management Studio 18?

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. It provides tools that help you manage databases, create and run queries, and develop and deploy SSIS packages, SSRS reports, and other SQL Server solutions.

SQL Server Management Studio 18 is the latest version of SSMS, released in April 2019. It comes with several new features and improvements that make it a significant upgrade over the previous versions. Some of the new features include:

These are just a few of the many new features and improvements that come with SQL Server Management Studio 18. Let’s explore them in more detail.

Features of SQL Server Management Studio 18

1. SQL Server 2019 support

One of the most significant enhancements in SSMS 18 is the support for SQL Server 2019. This means that you can now create, manage, and deploy SQL Server 2019 instances using SSMS 18. Additionally, you can use SSMS to work with Big Data Clusters, which is a new feature in SQL Server 2019 that allows you to deploy scalable data environments using containers and Kubernetes.

2. New XEvent Profiler

The XEvent Profiler is a new feature in SSMS 18 that provides a lightweight and scalable replacement for SQL Profiler. It uses the XEvent architecture to capture and analyze SQL Server events, which provides a more efficient and scalable way to monitor your SQL Server instances.

The XEvent Profiler is also highly customizable, allowing you to select the events you want to capture and filter out the events you don’t need. You can also customize the UI to display only the information that’s relevant to you.

3. Improved Performance Dashboard

SSMS 18 comes with an improved Performance Dashboard that provides a detailed view of your SQL Server performance metrics. You can use the Performance Dashboard to monitor CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, and other key performance indicators. The dashboard also includes a number of charts and graphs that help you visualize your performance metrics.

The new Performance Dashboard is also highly customizable, allowing you to add or remove charts and graphs, and to configure the dashboard to display the information that’s most relevant to you.

4. New PowerShell modules

SSMS 18 includes new PowerShell modules for managing SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. These modules provide a set of cmdlets that you can use to automate common SQL Server tasks, such as creating databases, backup and restore operations, and adding users and roles.

The new PowerShell modules are also highly customizable, allowing you to create your own cmdlets and to automate complex SQL Server tasks.

5. Dark theme

SSMS 18 now comes with a dark theme, which is easier on the eyes and reduces eye strain. The dark theme is also highly customizable, allowing you to choose from a number of different colors and styles.

FAQ

1. Is SQL Server Management Studio 18 free?

Yes, SQL Server Management Studio 18 is a free download from Microsoft. You can download it from the Microsoft website and use it to manage your SQL Server instances.

2. What operating systems does SQL Server Management Studio 18 support?

SQL Server Management Studio 18 supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7 SP1. It also requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.

3. Can SQL Server Management Studio 18 be used to manage Azure SQL Database?

Yes, SQL Server Management Studio 18 can be used to manage Azure SQL Database. It includes a number of features and tools that are specifically designed to work with Azure SQL Database, including the ability to deploy and manage elastic pools.

4. Does SQL Server Management Studio 18 support SSRS and SSIS?

Yes, SQL Server Management Studio 18 includes tools for developing and deploying SSRS reports and SSIS packages. You can use SSMS to design and test your SSRS reports and SSIS packages, and then deploy them to your SQL Server instances.

5. What is the difference between SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Data Tools?

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for managing SQL Server instances, while SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a separate environment for developing and deploying SQL Server solutions, such as SSRS reports, SSIS packages, and SQL Server projects.

However, SSMS and SSDT are often used together, with SSMS providing the tools for managing SQL Server instances and SSDT providing the tools for developing and deploying SQL Server solutions.

Conclusion

SQL Server Management Studio 18 is an essential tool for any Dev who works with SQL Server. With its new features and improvements, it makes it easier and more efficient to manage SQL Server instances, develop and deploy SQL Server solutions, and monitor SQL Server performance metrics. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SQL Server user, SSMS 18 has something for everyone. So, download it today and start exploring its many features and functionalities!