Description
Managing SQL Server through sqlcmd alone means typing out every table creation, data check and index tweak, and errors are hard to trace. SSMS is Microsoft's official GUI management tool: connect to a database and the Object Explorer opens every table and stored procedure, while the query editor gives you IntelliSense, with day-to-day database operations all in one interface.
Made by Microsoft, entirely free. It manages SQL Server both locally and in the cloud (Azure SQL).
Object Explorer: a tree expands the databases, tables, views and stored procedures on a server, opening structure and data on click without memorizing commands.
Query editor: T-SQL gets syntax highlighting and IntelliSense, results show as tables, and execution plans are available for tuning.
Visual management: creating databases and tables, adding indexes, setting permissions and backup/restore all have graphical wizards, so common tasks take a few clicks.
Import/export and scripting: move data between formats and generate a creation script for any object with one click, easing migration and version control.
Local and cloud: the same tool manages local SQL Server and Azure SQL databases for a consistent environment.
Made by Microsoft, entirely free. It manages SQL Server both locally and in the cloud (Azure SQL).
Features
Object Explorer: a tree expands the databases, tables, views and stored procedures on a server, opening structure and data on click without memorizing commands.
Query editor: T-SQL gets syntax highlighting and IntelliSense, results show as tables, and execution plans are available for tuning.
Visual management: creating databases and tables, adding indexes, setting permissions and backup/restore all have graphical wizards, so common tasks take a few clicks.
Import/export and scripting: move data between formats and generate a creation script for any object with one click, easing migration and version control.
Local and cloud: the same tool manages local SQL Server and Azure SQL databases for a consistent environment.
