What's New in SQL Server Data Tools
This topic lists the new features in each SQL Server Data Tools update.
March 2014
There are several new features in the March 2014 release of SQL Server Data Tools.
Filtering Data
When you choose to view data on a table in SQL Server Object Explorer it can sometimes be difficult to locate specific information. The Filter and Sort Dialog Box lets you:
Hide columns you don't want to see.
Filter on column values.
Add an alias for a column.
Sort on one or more columns.
Data Compare
Saving Data Compare settings is now supported. Clicking save will create a .dcmp file with the required connection information and name.
Transact-SQL Editor
The Connection menu option now has suboptions for Disconnect All Queries and Change Connection.
Change Connection lets you change the Transact-SQL connection to a different server in a single step. Previously you had to disconnect and then connect to the new server.
Disconnect All Queries allows you to disconnect all open Transact-SQL query windows.
Custom Static Code Analysis Rule Extensibility
You can now write custom rules to detect problems not covered by the built-in validation and static code analysis rules provided in database tooling.
October 2013
New in the October 2013 release of SQL Server Data Tools is Visual Studio 2013 support for the Windows Azure node in Server Explorer. The SQL Databases section enables discovering, adding, and navigating to Windows Azure SQL Database nodes in the SQL Server Object Explorer. This makes it easier for you to keep your Windows Azure databases current with your development environment. Right click on a database under the new SQL Databases node in Server Explorer to see supported features.
You no longer need to first learn the server name for your database or configure a firewall rule for your computer in the Azure Management Portal. You can navigate from Visual Studio 2013 to your database in the Management Portal.
June 2013
New in the June 2013 release of SQL Server Data Tools is the Data Compare feature. Data Compare lets you compare and synchronize data between two database instances. For more information, see Compare and Synchronize Data in One or More Tables with Data in a Reference Database.
December 2012
The December 2012 release of SQL Server Data Tools includes SQL Server unit testing. For more information, see Verifying Database Code by Using SQL Server Unit Tests.
The December 2012 release also includes SQL Server Object Explorer improvements previously available in the SQL Server Data Tools Power Tools:
Browse objects in database projects. Generate SQL Server unit test stubs for stored procedures, functions, and triggers. For more information, see How to: Browse Objects in a SQL Server Database Project.
Data-tier component (DAC) commands on connected databases, including publish, extract, and register. For more information, see Extract, Publish, and Register .dacpac Files.
Script As support (via right click) on objects in a connected database.
November 2012
The November 2012 release of SQL Server Data Tools makes it easier for you to make sure that the most recent version of SQL Server Data Tools is installed on your computer. For more information, see Check for Updates Dialog Box.