SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) transforms database development by introducing a ubiquitous, declarative model that spans all the phases of database development and maintenance/update inside Visual Studio. You can use SSDT Transact-SQL design capabilities to build, debug, maintain, and refactor databases. You can work with a database project, or directly with a connected database instance on or off-premise.
The SQL Server Object Explorer in Visual Studio offers a view of your database objects similar to SQL Server Management Studio. SQL Server Object Explorer allows you to do light-duty database administration and design work. You can easily create, edit, rename and delete tables, stored procedures, types, and functions. You can also edit table data, compare schemas, or execute queries by using contextual menus right from the SQL Server Object Explorer.
Developers can use familiar Visual Studio tools for database development. Tools such as: code navigation, IntelliSense, language support that parallels what is available for C# and Visual Basic, platform-specific validation, debugging, and declarative editing in the Transact-SQL editor. SSDT also provides a visual Table Designer for creating and editing tables in either database projects or connected database instances. While you are working on your database projects in a team-based environment, you can use version control for all the files. When it’s time to publish your project, you can publish to all supported SQL platforms; including SQL Database and Microsoft SQL Server 2012. SSDT platform validation capability ensures that your scripts work on the target you specify.
SSDT also includes special project types and tools for developing SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and Integration Services Business Intelligence (BI) solutions (formerly known as Business Intelligence Development Studio). Help for developing BI solutions is not provided here, but as part of Books Online for SQL Server 2012.
The following topics and sections discuss how SSDT can help you do database development. How To topics are included to help guide you through completing tasks for your database project. These tasks, written like a tutorial and completed in order, use Northwind Traders, a fictitious company that imports and exports specialty foods.
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Describes the new features in the current release. |
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Discusses required access permission to use SQL Server Data Tools. |
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Describes how to install SQL Server Data Tools. |
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Describes components not removed when you uninstall SSDT. |
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Describes compatibility issues with DAC framework. |
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Topics in this section describe SQL Server Data Tools features for designing and querying a connected database. |
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Topics in this section describe SQL Server Data Tools features for authoring, building, debugging and publishing a database project. |
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Project-Oriented Database Development using Command-Line Tools |
Topics in this section describe command-line tools which enable a number of project-oriented database development scenarios. |
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Topics in this section describe how to use the Transact-SQL Editor, which provides a rich editing and debugging experience when working with scripts. |
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Topics in this section describe how to:
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Discusses how you can use SQL Server unit tests to establish a baseline state for your database and then to verify any subsequent changes that you make to database objects. |
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Topics in this section describe classes, interfaces, and value types that SQL Server Data Tools exposes. |
For More Information
You can visit the SSDT Developer Center and team blog on MSDN for the latest SQL Server Data Tools news and updates.
The SSDT Forum is a great place for you to ask questions and get feedback from SQL Server professionals.
