Use SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing, administering, and developing all components of SQL Server. SSMS combines a broad group of graphical tools with a number of rich script editors to provide access to SQL Server to developers and administrators of all skill levels.

SSMS combines the features of Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, and Analysis Manager, included in previous releases of SQL Server, into a single environment. In addition, SSMS works with all components of SQL Server such as Reporting Services and Integration Services. Developers get a familiar experience, and database administrators get a single comprehensive utility that combines easy-to-use graphical tools with rich scripting capabilities.

Download and install SSMS from the Microsoft Download Center.

In This Section

• Features in SQL Server Management Studio
  Lists the rich feature set included in SQL Server Management Studio.

• Tool Windows in SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes the tools that are components of SQL Server Management Studio.

• Understand SQL Server Management Studio Windows Management
  Describes how to manage the windows displayed in SQL Server Management Studio.

• Administer Servers with SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes how to administer instances of SQL Server.

• Connect to Any SQL Server Component from SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes how to connect to instances of SQL Server and how to perform certain tasks without a connection.

• Object Explorer
  Describes the features of the Object Explorer.

• User Assistance in SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes how to configure user assistance, such as Help, in SQL Server Management Studio.

• Query and Text Editors (SQL Server Management Studio)
  Describes how to use the rich editing environment in SQL Server Management Studio to edit Transact-SQL, MDX, DMX and XML/A scripts.

• Edit SQLCMD Scripts with Query Editor
  Describes the capabilities and limitations of using Query Editor in SQLCMD mode.

• Color Coding in Query Editors
  Describes the meaning of the color coding in Code Editor windows.

• SQL Server Management Studio Keyboard Shortcuts
  Lists the keyboard shortcuts available in the SQL Server Management Studio.

• Customize Menus and Shortcut Keys
  Describes how to create custom menus and shortcuts.

• Solutions (SQL Server Management Studio)
  Describes how to develop script projects and solutions.

• Template Explorer
  Describes how to use the SQL Server Management Studio templates and how to create custom templates.

• Property Pages in SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes the new property window layout in SQL Server Management Studio.

• Visual Database Tool Designers
  Describes the Visual Database Tools that you can use to create queries, design or modify a database structure, or update data.

• Migrating from Query Analyzer to SQL Server Management Studio
  Describes differences between SQL Query Analyzer and the query portion of SQL Server Management Studio.

See Also

Concepts

View or Change Server Properties (SQL Server)

Other Resources

SQL Server Management Studio Express