When SQL Server 2005 was released Microsoft made a major change to the client tools provided with SQL Server, moving from Enterprise Manager for management tasks and Query Analyzer for scripting to the Visual Studio-based SQL Server Management Studio.  I have to admit that when SSMS was released I didn’t like it and continued using Query Analyzer for a while.  I have now adjusted to SSMS and, while I still wish I had a simple query tool, have grown to appreciate what it does.  My two favorite features are the Standard Reports and the ability to add Projects and Solutions like in Visual Studio.

I have to admit that I don’t use the Project and Solutions feature enough in my day to day work, but I do use it when I put together a blog post or presentation for a SQLSaturday or User Group.  By putting all the code for the demos in a Project I don’t have to go searching the file system to find a demo, I don’t have to have the code pre-loaded into SSMS, and I can stay in SSMS throughout the demos.  Here’s my project for my Default Trace presentation:
As you can see it provides a single place for all your scripts.  You can also add the Project/Solution to your source control product of choice (I don’t have one installed on my personal laptop at this time). 

I will be working with this feature more to have projects for my database scripts, maintenance scripts, and my favorite queries in addition to using it for presentations and blogs.

I’d love to hear how you are using projects and solutions in SSMS.