Using SSMS 2008 with SQL 2012

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Using SSMS 2008 with SQL 2012

rray 44280

Ten Centuries

Points: 1112
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November 18, 2013 at 2:22 pm

#395847

I'm struggling to adjust my practices to the changes in SSMS 2012. There are a lot of things that I just am not getting used to. I know that I will get used ot it eventually (I hope!), but I'm in crunch mode right now and will be for a few weeks.
What am I missing if I use SSMS from SQL 2008 R2 against SQL 2012 databases? Admin? Writing queries? Creating stored procedures and functions? Are there killer features that I just have to use, or killer shortcomings that I just have to avoid?
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Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323518 More actions · Answer 1

late response, but here's my advice: switch to using the 2012 SSMS immediately.

the differences are minor, but they are there, and there's no valid reason to be afraid of the newer GUI; if you force yourself to start using the new GUI, you will not regret it,and you'll be able to test some of the newer enhancements as you encounter them (enhanced windowing functions, new dmvs, etc,Format() function)

I went through something similar with Microsoft Word, when they came up with the "RibbonBar" to replace the familiar menus i was so used to. I dragged my feet on upgrading until i got too many *.docx files to deal with. All i did was put myself "behind", when i ended up having to learn it anyway.

2012 SSMS will connect to previous versions of SQL server without a problem, and when you DO connect to 2012 versions, you get the additional advantages. I've already enjoyed playing with extended events, which is something you are forced to script out by hand in 2008. since extended events are replacing server side traces, it's best to get started early.

Lowell

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rray 44280 Ten Centuries Points: 1112 More actions · Answer 2

I appreciate that. If they'd just give me back windows instead of forcing me to use tabs it would help a ton! I understand that that's a VS thing, but it really messes with my personal work style.

mister.magoo SSC-Forever Points: 47174 More actions · Answer 3

rray 44280 (11/19/2013)
I appreciate that. If they'd just give me back windows instead of forcing me to use tabs it would help a ton! I understand that that's a VS thing, but it really messes with my personal work style.

Can you explain what you mean ? I don't remember anything drastic changing - but I have been using 2012 for quite a while, so can't remember what 2008 R2 was like...?

MM

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samalex SSCertifiable Points: 5429 More actions · Answer 4

There are so many features in SSMS 2012 once you learn them you'll wonder why you didn't switch sooner 🙂 Seriously, one of the more awesome yet lesser known features is selecting/editing a column of data in the SSMS 2012 query window.

I think the biggest 'arg' with SSMS 2012 is it's slower to load, but outside that I haven't seen many Cons to using it over SSMS 2008.

rray 44280 Ten Centuries Points: 1112 More actions · Answer 5

There is a setting in 2008 to select windows or tabs as the default. My working style is heavily dependent on windows, so that's a biggy for me. I've found the keyboard shortcut to float a new tab, so for now I just do that automatically for all new queries and I'm getting along better.

In 2008 I could pin, undock and float all toolbars on my second monitor, I can't seem to find a way to get anything other than the Object Explorer to float in 2012.

The 2012 version crashes at least once a day. It seems to retain all open files when it restarts, but getting them all connected back up to the right databases is a pain. (I work pretty extensively with multiple db's on multiple servers with a lot of cross db and linked server queries.)

I strongly prefer Redgate SQL Prompt to the native IntelliSense. Just today I found out how to turn off the native IntelliSense pick lists - that's helped a lot.

On people's urging I've gone back to using 2012, but I grimace a lot... 🙂

Daryl AZ Hall of Fame Points: 3087 More actions · Answer 6

I went to 2012 SSMS without any 2012 databases.

The Visual Studio-isk ability to pull files onto different monitors feature was worth the update by itself.

rray 44280 Ten Centuries Points: 1112 More actions · Answer 7

jSo you've had no problems connecting to 2008 servers? I've got 3 2012 servers and 2 2012. Two of the 2008 servers are fine, just trying to connect to the third one crashes SSMS 2012 every time. It's fine with SSMS 2008, so I just have to remember to use the old one when I work on that server.

dan-572483 SSCoach Points: 15870 More actions · Answer 8

I've had no issues connecting to older instances with SSMS 2012. There must be something different in the configuration of the instances that make it crash. If you figure out what that is, please let us know.