Studio 2019 New — Sql Server Management

Disclaimer: There is no standalone "SSMS 2019" version number (that would be SSMS 18.x). SQL Server 2019 was released alongside SSMS 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, etc. This article focuses on the features that arrived during the SQL Server 2019 lifecycle.

2. Azure Data Studio Integration (The Silent Partner)

While not a feature of SSMS itself, the SSMS 18.x installer now offers to install Azure Data Studio (ADS) simultaneously. sql server management studio 2019 new

What’s new? A checkbox during installation for "Install Azure Data Studio." More importantly, you can now right-click a database in SSMS Object Explorer and select "Manage in Azure Data Studio." Disclaimer: There is no standalone "SSMS 2019" version

Why this matters: ADS is a lightweight, cross-platform tool superior for query writing (modern IntelliSense, Git integration, Jupyter notebooks). SSMS remains superior for server administration, backup/restore, and GUI-heavy tasks. This integration gives you the best of both worlds without leaving your workflow. getting the latest version is straightforward.

Licensing & Editions

1. Backing Up a Database

Always back up before making major changes.

  1. Right-click your database in Object Explorer.
  2. Select Tasks $\rightarrow$ Back Up...
  3. Ensure Backup type is set to Full.
  4. Look at the Destination. Usually, it saves to the default backup folder on the C: drive.
  5. Click OK.

Part 7: Tips and Tricks

  1. IntelliSense: SSMS tries to auto-complete your code. If it stops working, try pressing Ctrl + Shift + R to refresh the local cache.
  2. Format SQL: If your code looks messy, you can use third-party plugins like "Poor Man's T-SQL Formatter" (free) to auto-format your code.
  3. Estimated Execution Plan: Before running a heavy query, press Ctrl + L to see how SQL Server plans to execute it without actually running it.
  4. Activity Monitor: Located in the Object Explorer (right-click server name $\rightarrow$ Activity Monitor). It shows you live performance stats (CPU, RAM usage, and active queries).
  5. Template Explorer: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to access pre-written templates for common tasks (like creating tables or backups).

3. How to Install SSMS 19

Since SSMS is now a standalone application (decoupled from the SQL Server engine installation), getting the latest version is straightforward.

  1. Download: Visit the official Microsoft Download Center and search for "Download SQL Server Management Studio." Ensure you select the version labeled 19.x.
  2. Run the Installer: It is a lightweight installer compared to the full SQL Server engine.
  3. Side-by-Side Installation: You can install SSMS 19 alongside older versions (like SSMS 18). This is great if you need to maintain legacy compatibility but want to test the new features.

Full Feature Review: SQL Server Management Studio 18.x (The "SQL Server 2019" Era)

Disclaimer: There is no standalone "SSMS 2019" version number (that would be SSMS 18.x). SQL Server 2019 was released alongside SSMS 18.0, 18.1, 18.2, etc. This article focuses on the features that arrived during the SQL Server 2019 lifecycle.

2. Azure Data Studio Integration (The Silent Partner)

While not a feature of SSMS itself, the SSMS 18.x installer now offers to install Azure Data Studio (ADS) simultaneously.

What’s new? A checkbox during installation for "Install Azure Data Studio." More importantly, you can now right-click a database in SSMS Object Explorer and select "Manage in Azure Data Studio."

Why this matters: ADS is a lightweight, cross-platform tool superior for query writing (modern IntelliSense, Git integration, Jupyter notebooks). SSMS remains superior for server administration, backup/restore, and GUI-heavy tasks. This integration gives you the best of both worlds without leaving your workflow.

Licensing & Editions

1. Backing Up a Database

Always back up before making major changes.

  1. Right-click your database in Object Explorer.
  2. Select Tasks $\rightarrow$ Back Up...
  3. Ensure Backup type is set to Full.
  4. Look at the Destination. Usually, it saves to the default backup folder on the C: drive.
  5. Click OK.

Part 7: Tips and Tricks

  1. IntelliSense: SSMS tries to auto-complete your code. If it stops working, try pressing Ctrl + Shift + R to refresh the local cache.
  2. Format SQL: If your code looks messy, you can use third-party plugins like "Poor Man's T-SQL Formatter" (free) to auto-format your code.
  3. Estimated Execution Plan: Before running a heavy query, press Ctrl + L to see how SQL Server plans to execute it without actually running it.
  4. Activity Monitor: Located in the Object Explorer (right-click server name $\rightarrow$ Activity Monitor). It shows you live performance stats (CPU, RAM usage, and active queries).
  5. Template Explorer: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to access pre-written templates for common tasks (like creating tables or backups).

3. How to Install SSMS 19

Since SSMS is now a standalone application (decoupled from the SQL Server engine installation), getting the latest version is straightforward.

  1. Download: Visit the official Microsoft Download Center and search for "Download SQL Server Management Studio." Ensure you select the version labeled 19.x.
  2. Run the Installer: It is a lightweight installer compared to the full SQL Server engine.
  3. Side-by-Side Installation: You can install SSMS 19 alongside older versions (like SSMS 18). This is great if you need to maintain legacy compatibility but want to test the new features.

Full Feature Review: SQL Server Management Studio 18.x (The "SQL Server 2019" Era)

whatsapp chat button