Best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs

Question

I am looking for the best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs. Must haves:

• Visual GUI for creating complex queries
• Intellisense for all db objects
• Auto-format capability to format SQL script to a particular format / coding standard.
• SELECT Sql output to .xls, .txt with custom choices in delimiters / format

Cost is not an issue. When you make a recommendation, can you state why you prefer it, and what other IDEs you have tried before. Thank you.

Solution 1

SQL Management Studio with SQL Assistant (www.softtreetech.com) or SQL Prompt (www.red-gate.com)

Solution 2

I would suggest looking at SQL Everywhere. I have completely moved off of MS SQL Studio Management tool. The biggest advantage to SQL Everywhere for me is auto-complete (Intelisense) even against a SQL 2005 server. The format SQL feature is ok.

Solution 3

Anything wrong with the management studio that comes with Sql Server? The 2008 version meets all your requirements.

[edit]: I take it back: it can do autoformatting in the right circumstances, but it's painful and to my knowledge doesn't allow you to specify the coding standard. Also, the intellisense is weak.

Solution 4

try linqpad.

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Comments

[GregD]

If you add some of the Red Gate tools, it would meet all of the requirements.

[sheldonhull]

do you still use SQL Edit over SSMS? I'm looking into this application for the dev team here, and haven't been able to find much info on if it truly is worth the cost. It seems Apex is more affordable than Red Gate products....

[John Mo]

I do still use ApexSQL Edit over SSMS. With ApexSQL releasing a lot of the Edit functionality as add-ins for SSMS, it may be hard to justify the cost of the full product, but I still like Edit better.

[ASeale]

This is a 3 year old conversation, but since you stirred it up: I agree. It's got a lot of great features like you say, and it's free.