SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the tool of choice for most developers when managing SQL Server and the relational data stored in it. Microsoft recently outlined plans for SSMS 22, currently in preview, and now, it has revealed all the new features included in SSMS 22 Preview 3.
For starters, the latest preview of SSMS 22 brings initial support for Windows customers utilizing ARM64 architectures. Microsoft has highlighted that this had been a highly requested item since SSMS 21. That said, this support will be enhanced in an incremental manner during this preview phase. For now, users can connect to databases and query them, but can"t leverage some other use-cases like the utilization of SSAS, SSRS, SSIS, and Profiler.
And as we noted previously, GitHub Copilot is finally available in SSMS. While it does offer some basic functionalities right now, lots of other features such as code auto-completion are not available yet. Microsoft plans to add them incrementally too, you can find out more details in the news article linked above.
Another highlight of this release is the Query Hint Recommendation Tool, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Users can leverage this utility to gauge the performance of their SQL query while also receiving recommendations about how they can optimize it.
Additionally, Microsoft is restoring SSIS capabilities such as SSISDB catalog management, the import/export wizard, maintenance plans, and automated execution of SSIS packages. Finally, the following issues are now fixed:
- Database Properties: Fixed an issue that blocked the ability to change compatibility level for users with ALTER permissions.
- Object Explorer and Results Grid: Resolved an issue that prevented direct scroll bar navigation from working properly.
- Solution Explorer: Resolved an error that was generated when opening a folder that was closed but had files that were open.
- Status Bar: Reinstated line and column numbers in the status bar.
You can download SSMS 22 Preview 3 from here.