Microsoft launched an 18.5 version of SQL Server Management Studio in April this year. Along with this, they released a range of chief capabilities and plenty of bug fixes. In July, they have made the 18.6 version for the general public. Even though the versions were quickly released one after another, the changelog at this time is considerably shorter.
Along with a great SQL performance tuning experience, the 18.6 version has introduced some significant fixes such as:
- Save to XEL file error fix
- Bacpac file import error fix
- Database diagrams crash fix
The problem with database diagrams was that users were not able to open a diagram (saved and created) that incorporated a text annotation from 18.0 through 18.5.1. This issue no longer exists and now allows users to open diagrams created on the 17.9.1 and older versions.
Other points emphasized by Microsoft were related to the integration between SQL Server Management Studio and Azure Data Studio. They are:
SSMS experiences
- Latest Query and Notebook in Azure Data Studio from server notes as well as the database in the object explorer.
- Ability to generate Scripts wizard output for Azure Data Studio notebook
Azure Data Studio experiences
- The properties dialog for SSMS.
- Generate scripts wizard for SSMS.
Users can also make use of the ‘Database Administration Tool Extensions for Windows’ from the extension store available in Azure Data Studio to ensure great experiences mentioned above.
Two other changes have also been finally introduced to the wizard for file import in SSMS. Users can perform fixed-width format file important along with automatic file format without any hassle. Even the escaped quotes can be managed efficiently now.
Similar to its counterpart Oracle that takes feedback provided by users for performance tuning in Oracle very seriously, Microsoft has stated that the changes brought to the latest SQL Server Management Studio version i.e. the 18.6 were greatly influenced by the feedback provided by the users. The company has further asked users to continue offering their opinions and input via User Voice for SQL Server. To conclude, Microsoft has set a bi-monthly schedule (approx.) for its upcoming releases.
