On November 13, 2023, Microsoft’s new SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 19.2 saw the light of day. You can download it here and read the release notes to get a detailed overview of the newly introduced features and enhancements. And if you still haven’t switched to this version, we must say it’s the one you will definitely want if you are dealing with the most modern versions of SQL Server, Azure SQL Managed Instance, or, say, Azure SQL Database.
You can install and run SSMS 19.2 alongside the earlier versions (e.g., SSMS 18.x, SSMS 17.x, and SSMS 16.x), which can in turn be used if your SQL Server version happens to be older than 2014. Also note that by default, SSMS 19.2 is installed together with Azure Data Studio 1.47.0, and the installer doesn’t ask you whether you need it or not.
Yet, good and fast as it is, SSMS 19.2 may still not be an exhaustive solution for the power users of SQL Server. Yet you can always enhance even further with dbForge SQL Tools, a collection of add-ins and standalone applications that level up the strengths of SSMS and fill in nearly all of the gaps you may think of. Here are the included tools:
dbForge SQL Complete is the flagship of the bundle, a high-end add-in that is designed to enhance your SQL coding and make it error-free with context-aware SQL code completion, smart object suggestions, syntax validation, formatting, refactoring, and debugging. The punch it packs is strong enough to make your routine coding twice as fast and effective.
dbForge Source Control is an add-in that helps you version-control database schemas and static table data, manage and track changes, view and resolve conflicts, and maintain the integrity of your databases. It is compatible with Git (GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket), Azure DevOps Server, Apache Subversion, TFVC, Mercurial, Perforce, and SourceGear Vault.
dbForge Schema Compare is a tool that helps compare SQL Server database schemas, analyze differences, and synchronize them. It works with live databases, snapshots, script folders, backups, and remote repositories.
dbForge Data Compare is a similar tool that helps detect and analyze table data discrepancies in live databases, backups, and script folders. It synchronizes databases and recovers damaged or missing data with just a few clicks.
dbForge Data Pump is an add-in for data import and export that supports 14 most essential data formats. It populates databases with external source data, streamlines data migration, and automates recurring scenarios via templates.
dbForge Query Builder helps create, execute, and optimize SQL queries and statements visually, on easily understandable diagrams. A built-in SQL editor offers context-sensitive autocompletion and smart formatting.
dbForge Unit Test is an add-in that allows writing unit tests in regular T-SQL and running multiple tests at once directly from SSMS. It helps develop stable and reliable code that can be properly regression-tested at the unit level.
dbForge Data Generator contains 200+ smart generators of realistic, consistent test data with flexible configuration and preserved inter-column data dependencies. Data population can be performed in a single click.
dbForge Documenter generates comprehensive searchable documentation in a matter of minutes, fully eliminating time-consuming manual work. Extensive customization helps tailor the process to any schedule and requirements.
dbForge Index Manager is an add-in that helps fix SQL index fragmentation effortlessly. It collects fragmentation statistics and detects databases that require maintenance within seconds. Indexes can be rebuilt and reorganized visually.
dbForge Search is a free add-in that enables easy search for SQL objects, text, and data across multiple databases. It eliminates the need to browse the SSMS Object Explorer to find a required column name or a piece of text in a stored procedure. Extensive filtering options include wildcards to substitute any characters in the search string.
dbForge Monitor is a free add-in that tracks server status and performance in real time. With a convenient analytical dashboard at hand, it is easy to pinpoint the origin of any bottleneck and proactively address it.
dbForge Event Profiler is a free tool that helps capture and analyze any specified SQL Server events, which in turn helps to investigate and troubleshoot server load and stability issues.
dbForge SQL Decryptor is a free tool for decrypting encrypted stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views simply by pointing and clicking. It also helps edit database objects and view scripts with syntax highlighting.
dbForge DevOps Automation is an integrated solution that unites dbForge SQL Tools into a consistent DevOps cycle. The entire solution simplifies the workflow, levels up routine coding and testing, and facilitates fast and safe CI/CD.
Download SSMS 19.2 and enhance it with dbForge SQL Tools today!
Without a doubt, SSMS 19.2 is an important release, if not revolutionary, and it’s a perfect IDE that will help you catch up with the latest versions of SQL Server and those to come in the near future. The recipe for success is simple: download SSMS 19.2 and install it, then download dbForge SQL Tools for a free trial, install them, and give this killer combo a go for an entire month of free use. Take this time to explore their capabilities in full, and we bet you won’t be disappointed.
