Best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs

Question

I am looking for the best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs. Must haves:

• Visual GUI for creating complex queries
• Intellisense for all db objects
• Auto-format capability to format SQL script to a particular format / coding standard.
• SELECT Sql output to .xls, .txt with custom choices in delimiters / format

Cost is not an issue. When you make a recommendation, can you state why you prefer it, and what other IDEs you have tried before. Thank you.

Answer 1

Anything wrong with the management studio that comes with Sql Server? The 2008 version meets all your requirements.

[edit]: I take it back: it can do autoformatting in the right circumstances, but it's painful and to my knowledge doesn't allow you to specify the coding standard. Also, the intellisense is weak.

Answer 2

SQL Management Studio with SQL Assistant (www.softtreetech.com) or SQL Prompt (www.red-gate.com)

Answer 3

Try out

• EMS SQL MANAGER Lite Version
• Toad For SQL Server

I personally like EMS SQL Manager Lite, its not so lite in making your job easier, trust me :)

Answer 4

ApexSQL Edit. Not wild about their GUI query editor, but great on intellisense and formatting. Also includes options to copy out of the result set to Excel, CSV, and HTML via clipboard and some handy custom column copying tools. I'm practically crippled in SSMS because ApexSQL Edit has me so spoiled.

Answer 5

try linqpad.