Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017. This article aims to provide you with in-depth knowledge and insights on how to use the SQL Server Data Tools to build, debug, and deploy SQL Server databases and integration services projects within the Visual Studio 2017 environment.
What are SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017?
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a development toolset used for developing SQL Server databases, integration services projects, and analysis services models. It is an integrated environment with Visual Studio 2017, which provides a unified experience for database development, testing, and deployment. The SSDT consists of a set of project templates, design-time utilities, and compilers that help developers to create and manage SQL Server assets.
Visual Studio 2017 is a powerful development environment that supports a wide range of programming languages, including C++, C#, and Visual Basic. It also provides integrated tools for SQL Server development, such as the SQL Server Object Explorer, SQL Server Data Tools, and SQL Server Management Studio.
The Benefits of SSDT for Visual Studio 2017:
Some of the key benefits of using SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 include:
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Unified Development Environment | Provides a unified experience for database development, testing, and deployment |
| Project Templates | Provides pre-built templates for creating databases and integration services projects |
| Design-time Utilities | Provides tools for designing and testing database objects, such as tables, views, and stored procedures |
| Compilers | Provides a compiler to generate deployment scripts and validate the project against SQL Server schemas |
How to Use SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017
Creating a New SQL Server Database Project
To create a new SQL Server database project, follow these steps:
- Open Visual Studio 2017 and click on “File” → “New” → “Project”.
- Under the “Templates” section, select “Visual C#” → “SQL Server” → “SQL Server Database Project”.
- Enter the project name and location and click on “Create”.
- You can now add database objects to your project, such as tables, views, and stored procedures. You can also add references to other database projects or external databases.
Creating a New Integration Services Project
To create a new Integration Services project, follow these steps:
- Open Visual Studio 2017 and click on “File” → “New” → “Project”.
- Under the “Templates” section, select “Integration Services” → “Integration Services Project”.
- Enter the project name and location and click on “Create”.
- You can now add Integration Services packages to your project. Packages are workflows that define the sequence of data transformations and control flow tasks.
FAQs
What is the difference between SQL Server Data Tools and SQL Server Management Studio?
SQL Server Data Tools is a development toolset used for creating and managing SQL Server assets, such as databases and Integration Services projects. SQL Server Management Studio is a management tool used for administering and monitoring SQL Server instances and databases. While both tools can be used to create and modify databases, SSDT provides a more integrated and streamlined experience for database development, testing, and deployment.
Can I use SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 to develop for earlier versions of SQL Server?
Yes, SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 supports developing for SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. However, some features may not be available in earlier versions of SQL Server.
Can I use SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 to develop other database systems?
No, SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 is designed specifically for developing SQL Server databases and Integration Services projects. If you want to develop for other database systems, you will need to use a different development toolset.
What are Integration Services packages?
Integration Services packages are workflows that define the sequence of data transformations and control flow tasks in an Integration Services project. Control flow tasks are the building blocks of a package, and include tasks such as data flow, execute SQL, and file system tasks. Data transformations are used to modify, clean, and aggregate data.
What is the purpose of a deployment script?
A deployment script is a SQL script that automates the deployment of a database project to a SQL Server instance. The script contains the definition of all the database objects in the project, such as tables, views, and stored procedures. It also contains the configuration settings and permissions required for the database to function correctly. Deployment scripts can be generated automatically by SSDT or manually edited by the developer.
Conclusion
We hope you have found this guide on SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio 2017 informative and useful. SQL Server Data Tools is a powerful development toolset that enables developers to create and manage SQL Server databases and Integration Services projects within the Visual Studio 2017 environment. With its unified development experience, project templates, design-time utilities, and compilers, SSDT is an essential tool for any SQL Server developer. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to let us know.