SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide to SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this powerful tool set, from its features and benefits to its installation and use. Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting out, this guide will help you make the most of SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017. Let’s get started!

What is SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017?

SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017, also known as SSDT, is a set of tools that enable developers to build, debug, and deploy SQL Server databases from within Visual Studio. SSDT provides a familiar and integrated development environment for creating and maintaining databases, with features such as a Schema Compare tool for comparing and synchronizing database schemas, a Data Compare tool for comparing and synchronizing data, and a SQL Server Object Explorer for browsing and managing database objects.

In addition to these core features, SSDT also includes support for SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), making it a versatile tool set for all of your database development needs.

Benefits of SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017

There are many benefits to using SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017. Perhaps the most significant is the tight integration with Visual Studio, which provides a familiar and consistent environment for all of your development tasks. Other benefits include:

Installation and Setup

Installing SSDT for Visual Studio 2017 is a straightforward process. You can download the installer from the Microsoft website and follow the prompts to install the tool set. Once installed, you will need to configure SSDT to work with your SQL Server instance. This involves creating a new SQL Server project in Visual Studio and specifying the server connection details. Once set up, you can begin using SSDT to develop your databases.

FAQ: Installation and Setup

Q: What versions of Visual Studio does SSDT support?

A: SSDT is compatible with Visual Studio 2017 and later versions.

Q: Can I use SSDT with SQL Server Express?

A: Yes, SSDT supports SQL Server Express, as well as Standard and Enterprise editions of SQL Server.

Q: Do I need to install SQL Server Management Studio to use SSDT?

A: No, SSDT includes its own management tools, such as the SQL Server Object Explorer and Schema Compare.

Features and Tools

SSDT includes a wide range of features and tools for database development, including:

Schema Compare

The Schema Compare tool enables you to compare two database schemas and generate a script to make them identical. This is useful for keeping development and production databases in sync, as well as for migrating changes between environments.

FAQ: Schema Compare

Q: Can I exclude certain objects from the schema compare?

A: Yes, you can exclude specific tables, views, and other objects from the schema compare by selecting them in the comparison result window and clicking Exclude.

Q: Can I save my schema compare settings for future use?

A: Yes, you can save your schema compare settings as a project, which you can reload at any time to repeat the comparison.

Data Compare

The Data Compare tool enables you to compare the data in two databases and synchronize any differences. This is useful for ensuring that test and production data are identical, as well as for migrating changes between environments.

FAQ: Data Compare

Q: Can I exclude certain columns from the data compare?

A: Yes, you can exclude specific columns from the data compare by selecting them in the comparison result window and clicking Exclude.

Q: Can I save my data compare settings for future use?

A: Yes, you can save your data compare settings as a project, which you can reload at any time to repeat the comparison.

SQL Server Object Explorer

The SQL Server Object Explorer provides a tree view of your SQL Server instance, enabling you to browse and manage databases, tables, views, and other objects. You can also perform common tasks, such as creating new objects and executing queries.

FAQ: SQL Server Object Explorer

Q: Can I add multiple SQL Server instances to the object explorer?

A: Yes, you can add multiple instances by clicking the Add SQL Server button and specifying the server connection details.

Q: Can I filter the object explorer to show only specific types of objects?

A: Yes, you can use the filter field at the top of the object explorer window to show only objects that match a specific name or type.

SQL Server Profiler

The SQL Server Profiler enables you to capture and analyze events that occur on your SQL Server instance, such as queries, stored procedures, and logins. You can use this information to troubleshoot performance issues and optimize your databases.

FAQ: SQL Server Profiler

Q: Can I save my profiler settings for future use?

A: Yes, you can save your profiler settings as a template, which you can reload at any time to repeat the trace.

Q: Can I filter the profiler trace to show only specific types of events?

A: Yes, you can use the filter field in the trace properties window to include or exclude events based on their type or other criteria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 is a powerful and versatile tool set for database development. With its wide range of features and tight integration with Visual Studio, SSDT enables developers to build, debug, and deploy SQL Server databases with ease. Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting out, SSDT is an essential tool for all of your database development needs. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started with SSDT. Happy developing!