SQL Developer Guide
API and Tooling
This section covers the essential APIs and development tools provided by Microsoft SQL Server that empower developers to build robust and efficient database applications.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
SSMS is the primary integrated environment for managing, configuring, and administering all components of SQL Server. It provides a unified interface for developers and administrators alike.
- Object Explorer: Navigate, inspect, and manage database objects.
- Query Editor: Write, execute, and debug Transact-SQL (T-SQL) queries.
- Performance Dashboards: Monitor and diagnose performance issues.
- Database Diagrams: Visually design and manage database schemas.
- Scripting: Generate scripts for database objects and operations.
Tip: Regularly update SSMS to the latest version to benefit from new features and performance enhancements.
Transact-SQL (T-SQL)
T-SQL is Microsoft's proprietary extension to SQL, adding procedural programming, local variables, and other programming constructs to the language. It's the cornerstone of database development on SQL Server.
- Core SQL Commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
- Procedural Constructs: IF...ELSE, WHILE loops, Cursors.
- Built-in Functions: Aggregate functions, string functions, date functions, etc.
- Error Handling: TRY...CATCH blocks for robust error management.
Command-Line Utilities
For scripting and automation, SQL Server offers powerful command-line tools:
- sqlcmd: A command-line utility for executing SQL Server Management Objects (SMO) scripts and Transact-SQL statements.
- bcp: A command-line utility that imports and exports data in bulk.
SQL Server Native Client (SNAC)
SNAC provides both the OLE DB provider and ODBC driver for SQL Server, enabling applications to use new SQL Server features not found in earlier versions.
Note: While SNAC is still supported for backward compatibility, for new development, consider using Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server or the latest ODBC drivers.
APIs for Application Development
Various APIs are available for interacting with SQL Server from different programming languages:
- ADO.NET: A set of classes in the .NET Framework that exposes data access services for ADO.NET data providers.
- ODBC (Open Database Connectivity): A standard API for accessing database management systems.
- OLE DB: A Microsoft API designed to provide a standardized way to access data from various information sources.
- JDBC (Java Database Connectivity): The Java API for connecting Java applications to SQL Server.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
SSDT provides an integrated environment for developing SQL Server databases, including database projects, schema comparison, and data compare features within Visual Studio.
- Database Projects: Manage your database schema as code.
- Schema Compare: Identify differences between database schemas and generate update scripts.
- Data Compare: Compare data between two databases and generate scripts to synchronize data.
Programmatic Management APIs
For automated administration and management tasks:
- SQL Server Management Objects (SMO): A set of .NET objects that can be used to programmatically manage SQL Server.
- SQL Server PowerShell: Use PowerShell cmdlets to manage SQL Server instances and databases.