SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Express

SQL Server Management Studio, new in Microsoft SQL Server 2005, 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. Developers get a familiar experience, and database administrators get a single comprehensive tool that combines easy-to-use graphical tools with rich scripting capabilities. SQL Server Management Studio can connect to all editions of SQL Server 2005, including SQL Server Express.

To access SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio is installed as part of any edition of SQL Server 2005 except SQL Server Express. To manage SQL Server Express without SQL Server Management Studio, execute Transact-SQL statements by using the sqlcmd utility. For more information, see Using the sqlcmd Utility (SQL Server Express).

To launch SQL Server Management Studio, on the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2005, and then click SQL Server Management Studio.

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

Referring to SQL Server 2005 Books Online

For more information about the SQL Server Management Studio feature-set, tools, and how to administer instances of SQL Server, see SQL Server 2005 Tools and Utilities Reference Overview and SQL Server Management Studio Tutorial in SQL Server 2005 Books Online.