SQL Server Management Studio includes the following general features:

• Supports most administrative tasks for SQL Server.
  
• A single, integrated environment for SQL Server Database Engine management and authoring.
  
• New management dialogs for managing objects in the SQL Server Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Notification Services, and SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1, that allows you to execute your actions immediately, send them to a Code Editor, or script them for later execution.
  
• Non-modal and resizable dialogs allow access to multiple tools while a dialog is open.
  
• A common scheduling dialog that allows you to perform action of the management dialogs at a later time.
  
• Exporting and importing SQL Server Management Studio server registration from one Management Studio environment to another.
  
• Save or print XML Showplan or Deadlock files generated by SQL Server Profiler, review them later, or send them to administrators for analysis.
  
• A new error and informational message box that presents much more information, allows you to send Microsoft a comment about the messages, allows you to copy messages to the clipboard, and allows you to easily e-mail the messages to your support team.
  
• An integrated Web browser for quick browsing of MSDN or online help.
  
• Integration of Help from online communities.
  
• A tutorial on SQL Server Management Studio to help you take advantage of the many new features and become more productive right away. To take the tutorial, go to Tutorials.
  
• A new activity monitor with filtering and automatic refresh.
  
• Integrated Database Mail interfaces.
  

 New Scripting Capabilities

The Code Editor component of SQL Server Management Studio contains integrated script editors for authoring Transact-SQL, MDX, DMX, XML/A, and XML scripts. It features:

• Dynamic Help for immediate access to relevant information while you work.
  
• A rich set of templates with the ability to create custom templates.
  
• Support for writing and editing queries or scripts without requiring a connection to a server.
  
• Scripting support for SQLCMD queries and scripts.
  
• A new interface for viewing XML results.
  
• Integrated source control for solution and script projects, supporting storing and maintaining copies of scripts as they evolve over time.
  
• Microsoft IntelliSense support for MDX statements.
  

 Object Explorer Features

The Object Explorer component of SQL Server Management Studio is an integrated tool for viewing and managing objects in all server types. It features:

• Filtering by all or part of a name, schema, or date.
  
• The asynchronous population of objects, with the ability to filter objects based on their metadata.
  
• Access to SQL Server Agent on replication servers for administration.
  

For more information, see Using Object Explorer.

 See Also

Other Resources

Introducing SQL Server Management Studio

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2008 Assistance