What is SQL Developer?

SQL Developer is a powerful, integrated development environment (IDE) designed for SQL Server and other Microsoft data platforms. It empowers developers and database administrators to perform a wide range of database tasks efficiently, from writing complex queries to managing database objects and deploying applications.

Whether you're working with on-premises SQL Server instances, Azure SQL Database, or Azure Synapse Analytics, SQL Developer offers a unified experience to maximize your productivity.

Integrated Querying and Scripting

Write, execute, and debug SQL queries and Transact-SQL (T-SQL) scripts with an intelligent editor that includes:

• Syntax highlighting and IntelliSense for faster coding.
• Code snippets and templates for common tasks.
• Execution plans and performance insights to optimize queries.

Example T-SQL snippet:

SELECT TOP 10 CustomerID, CompanyName
FROM Customers
WHERE Country = 'USA'
ORDER BY CustomerID;

Database Object Management

Visually browse, manage, and manipulate database objects such as:

• Tables, Views, and Stored Procedures
• Indexes and Constraints
• Triggers and Functions
• Users and Roles

The intuitive graphical interface simplifies complex management tasks, reducing the need for manual scripting in many cases.

Data Modeling and Design

Design and visualize your database schemas using the integrated data modeling tools. Create Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) to understand data relationships and generate DDL scripts for database creation.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Identify and resolve issues in your T-SQL code with a robust debugger. Step through code, inspect variable values, set breakpoints, and analyze execution flow to pinpoint errors quickly.

Performance Tuning

Leverage tools to analyze and tune the performance of your database. Monitor query performance, identify bottlenecks, and receive recommendations for optimization.