An effective tool for administering SQL Server databases is called SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Users can communicate with SQL Server via its graphical user interface (GUI) without having to write any code. However, navigating SSMS with the mouse can be cumbersome and ineffective. Tasks can be completed more quickly and conveniently by using keyboard shortcuts.

 SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) – what is it?

Users can administer SQL Server databases using the free Microsoft application SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). For activities like building databases, tables, and stored procedures as well as running queries and managing users, it offers a user-friendly interface.

Why should you utilize keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts enable users to complete activities quickly and efficiently by avoiding the need to travel through menus and options. This saves time and effort, which is especially beneficial for recurring jobs. Keyboard shortcuts also lessen the possibility of errors by requiring less mouse movement and clicking.

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Top 15 SSMS Keyboard Shortcuts and Tips

Keyboard shortcuts for opening windows

• Ctrl+T – Opens a new query window.
• Ctrl+Shift+N – Opens a new solution.
• Ctrl+Shift+O – Opens a file.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing tabs

• Ctrl+Tab – Switches between open tabs.
• Ctrl+F4 – Closes the current tab.
• Ctrl+Shift+T – Reopens the last closed tab.

Keyboard shortcuts for executing queries

• F5 – Executes the query.
• Ctrl+Shift+M – Executes the query and includes the actual execution plan.
• Ctrl+R – Toggles the display of the query results pane.

Keyboard shortcuts for formatting code

• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+F – Formats the entire document.
• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+D – Formats the current selection.
• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+C – Comments on the current selection.
• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+U – Uncomments the current selection.

Keyboard shortcuts for debugging

• F11 – Toggles a breakpoint on the current line.
• F5 – Starts debugging.
• Shift+F5 – Stops debugging.
• F10 – Steps over the current line.
• F11 – Steps into the current line.

Keyboard shortcuts for searching and replacing

• Ctrl+F – Opens the Find dialog.
• Ctrl+Shift+F – Opens the Find and Replace dialog.
• F3 – Finds the next occurrence of the current search term.
• Shift+F3 – Finds the previous occurrence of the current search term.

Keyboard shortcuts for commenting and uncommenting code

• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+C – Comments on the current selection.
• Ctrl+K, Ctrl+U – Uncomments the current selection.

Keyboard shortcuts for displaying the execution plan

• Ctrl+M – Toggles the display of the actual execution plan.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing connections

• Ctrl+Alt+C – Connects to a database.
• Ctrl+Alt+D – Disconnects from a database.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing objects

• F7 – Opens the Object Explorer.
• F8 – Toggles the display of the Object Explorer Details.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing indexes

• Alt+F1 – Displays the index details.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing databases

• Ctrl+D – Opens the Database Properties dialog.
• Ctrl+Alt+G – Generates a script for a database.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing tables

• Alt+F1 – Displays the table details.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing views

• Alt+F1 – Displays the view details.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing stored procedures

• Ctrl+Shift+M – Executes a stored procedure.
• Alt+F1 – Displays the stored procedure details.

Conclusion

SSMS keyboard shortcuts can boost your productivity by allowing you to complete activities more quickly and efficiently. We covered the top 15 SSMS keyboard shortcuts and tips in this article, including keyboard shortcuts for opening windows, managing tabs, executing queries, formatting code, debugging, searching and replacing, commenting and uncommenting code, displaying the execution plan, and managing connections, objects, indexes, databases, tables, views, and stored procedures.

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