Using SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing, administering, and developing all components of SQL Server. SQL Server Management Studio 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.

SQL Server Management Studio combines the features of Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, and Analysis Manager, included in previous releases of SQL Server, into a single environment. In addition, SQL Server Management Studio works with all components of SQL Server such as Reporting Services, Integration Services, and SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2. Developers get a familiar experience, and database administrators get a single comprehensive utility that combines easy-to-use graphical tools with rich scripting capabilities.

To access SQL Server Management Studio

  • On the taskbar, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server SQL Server 2008, and then click SQL Server Management Studio.

Note

By default, SQL Server Management Studio is installed in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\VSShell\Common7\IDE.

Note

SQL Server Management Studio presents dates formatted with the Microsoft Windows Regional and Language Options in effect when SQL Server Management Studio was started. Restart SQL Server Management Studio to reflect newer settings.

With SQL Server Management Studio, the database developer and administrator can develop or administer any of the components of the Database Engine.

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