Free Utility for SQL Server 2012 CTP1 - Snippets Generator v1.0

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** [Update - Dec 12, 2011] Snippets Generator is now on CodePlex!
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 T-SQL code snippets is a very handy new feature in SQL Server 2012 CTP1 (codenamed "Denali").

Using code snippets you can save time when you write code and you just need to enter code that does common tasks. Code reuse has always been useful and it really increases productivity!

In SQL Server 2012 CTP1 you can import your own snippets. However, prior to that, you need to create a snippet.

Each snippet is an XML file that specifies some header information regarding the snippet and then it includes the T-SQL code.

A sample T-SQL code snippet for SQL Server 2012 CTP1 is illustrated in the following image:

Yesterday while I was recording my Webcast on Denali, I thought to myself: "By the time the XML structure is common for all T-SQL code snippets for SQL Server Denali why not creating a Windows Forms Application that can server as T-SQL code snippets generator?"

Today I implemented my idea and the outcome is "Snippets Generator v1.0" :)

Using this tool you can generate T-SQL code snippets for SQL Server "Denali", save it into a directory and then add the directory, and consequently your custom snippets, into SQL Server "Denali" via the Code Snippets Manager! The directory's name will be the snippet category name in Code Snippet Manager and its contents will be the snippets!


You can download the tool from here:



Prerequisites:

• .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
• SQL Server 2012 CTP1 (for importing the generated snippets(s) :)

Drop me a line if you like the tool! Your valuable feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

* Please note that this is a freeware. I will not be responsible for illegal actions or damage caused by the misuse of this software.

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Webcast: Introducing SQL Server "Denali" (CTP1)

Hello and Happy New Year 2011! Wishing all the best, always in good health!

Microsoft has recently released CTP1 of SQL Server 2011 codenamed "Denali".

This new version of SQL Server Server introduces many new features that increase productivity and reduce the development and administration effort.

One of my main observations is that there is a convergence of technologies. For example, SSMS is now powered by Visual Studio and that means a lot!

A solid example is the fact that the debugging functionality in SSMS was significantly enhanced with the introduction of breakpoint conditions, hit counts and many more! Debugging now seems even more similar to the Debugging functionality of Visual Studio. Another example are the T-SQL code snippets.

By having a glimpse on these features, the following major enhancements can be listed:

• Advanced debugging of T-SQL scripts with: breakpoint conditions,hit counts,filter limits, actions and editing of breakpoint locations.
• The Watch window and Quick Watch support watching T-SQL Expressions.
• Breakpoint validation.
• T-SQL code snippets.
• Contained Databases.
• Metadata Discovery.
• WITH RESULT SETS argument.
• Ad-hoc Query Paging Implementation.
• Sequence Objects.
• New Permissions.
• New Role Management: You can now created user-defined server roles.
• New Hashing Algorithms.
• Object Impact and Data Lineage Analysis.
• ... and much more!

However, as this is my first blog post for 2011, I decided to publish something even more exciting instead of an article. So I thought to myself: "Why not recording a Webcast for SQL Server Denali?" And so I did! :)

In this Webcast I am introducing the major new features shipped with SQL Server "Denali". Along with the presentation I am performing live demos presenting some of these features in action!

OK, enough talking! Here's the Webcast:



Well, I hope you enjoyed the Webcast as I enjoyed creating it! :)

Please remember to complete the evaluation form for the Webcast by clicking on this link.

Your feedback is always valuable and highly appreciated!
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