What other products are similar to Redgate's SQL Search?

Question

What other products are similar to Redgate's SQL Search?

Redgate just released "SQL Search" in Feb 2010.

http://www.red-gate.com/products/SQL_Search/index.htm

I am still amazed this type of search is not already built into SQL Server Management Studio.

Updated: If you are curious. Here is the story how SQL Search got developed.

http://www.simple-talk.com/community/blogs/robertchipperfield/archive/2009/11/10/76194.aspx

I agree with some of the post, that it is not fully cooked yet, but after reading it was developed in 1 week, I guess we will have to cut them some slack. :)

Answer 1

While it's nice to have something integrated into the UI, what they're doing is not really all that magical. I wrote up an article about creating your own utility procedures that do this kind of thing:

http://sqlblog.com/blogs/aaron_bertrand/archive/2009/11/09/finding-stored-procedures-containing-string.aspx

That said, Red Gate's product is free... is there something it does that you don't like, or something it doesn't do that you need it to?

Answer 2

Agree with Aaron Bertrand, just to add my bit.

This is nice "bell & whistle" functionality...as to why it's not in SSMS, I suspect it doesn't actually offer that high a value/high priority requirement for everyone, which is reflected in it's price (free). You can get the information out of SQL Server yourself, as Aaron demonstrates. So, MS have probably focussed on other things.

For example, the type of environment I see this providing most value is one where you have an unfamiliar/legacy/third party database and you're trying to make changes but want to check out what effect those changes might have (i.e. I don't think this table is used any more, can I drop it?). From chipping in with questions like this on here, it's often the case that there are references to objects within the source code (i.e. hardcoded/adhoc sql) that there may/may not be access to. Hence, this kind of offering may not answer the questions fully.

I am a big fan of the Red Gate tools, and use the SQL Toolbelt from time to time.

Answer 3

My tools are all available in free editions and all offer a similar function in the object browser through filtering. You can do simple 'search for things called this' or build up complex filter trees. The IDE has that integrated into right click in the editor too.

As for an exact equivalent for SQL Search, I haven't seen one - and I think it's a really good tool - and who can complain about the price? I hope one day my tools will keep them on their toes - but I'm not there yet. :)