I usually use Management Studio and SQLCMD to work with SQL Server. For the most part, they work for me. I'm just kind of curious what else is out there. I just want to find out if there are any needs I have that are unfulfilled. So what are some helpful SQL Server tools? There's no particular functionality I'm looking to replace or find a better tool for, so if it's a SQL Server tool and you think it's useful, post it.
Cross-links:
Personally SSMS is my favorite tool, however, even though not a free tool, the red Gate tools are the only other thing I use.
EMS SQL Manager for SQL Server - There is a freeware version of this..
If you are also into managing and administering, there is a bunch of tools listed here: Free Tools for the SQL Server DBA
As someone developing a Java app against SQL server on Linux (yeah, weird combination), I swear by Squirrel SQL, a multi-db object browser, SQL execution environment, etc. It has its oddnesses but it has great intelligent auto-completion, which is a huge productivity booster; has great + simple export to Excel and HTML, gives good metadata about the database and the objects in it -- now even when I'm in Windows I generally use Squirrel for my day-to-day SQL needs ahead of Management Studio. Great tool.
this list will probably give you everything there is free out there :)) if you know some more let me know in the coments of the post: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/mladenp/archive/2007/11/20/Free-SQL-Server-tools-that-might-make-your-life-a.aspx
I really like Query Express http://www.albahari.com/queryexpress.aspx : it's only a 100KB executable.
As I posted in this question, I found this free SQL profiler replacement. Profiling works on any version of MSSQL 2005, even the express editions. You just need tooling to work with it. My original response:
Seeing how you use the Management Studio Express, I will assume you don't have access to the MSSQL 2005 client tools. If you do, install those, because it includes the SQL profiler which does exactly what you want (and more!). For more info about that one, see msdn.
I found this a while ago, because I was thinking about the exact same thing. I have access to the client tools myself, so I don't really need to yet, but that access is not unlimited (it's through my current job). If you try it out, let me know if it works ;-)
SQL Encryption Assistant - Simplifies the creation, modification, and deletion of encryption keys and certificates inside SQL Server. Using the object explorer you can add digital signatures to your database stored procedures, functions, triggers, and assemblies. Within this utility you can use your keys to encrypt your sensitive data stored inside SQL Server.
FYI the basic version isfree.
If you're looking for data comparison, schema comparison or visual query builder tools, than you should take a look at our database tools for SQL Server.
Those tools are not free, but you can use 30-days trial for free and you have an opportunity to get a free license for both of the products - please refer to our free license conditions page.