Table of Contents What is Microsoft SQL Server?Key FeaturesWhat are Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools?The Need for SQL Server Data ToolsKey Features of SQL Server Data ToolsSteps to Set Up SQL Server Data ToolsStep 1: Install SQL Server Data ToolsStep 2: Create SQL Server Data Tools ProjectStep 3: Publish the Project with the SQL Server Data ToolsSome Alternatives to SQL Server Data Tools1. DbForge Studio for SQL Server2. PopSQL3. DbVizualizer4. Valentina Studio5. Aqua Data StudioConclusionFAQs about SSDT1. What is in SQL Server Data Tools?2. Which tool is used for SQL Server?3. What is SQL Server ETL tool?4. Is SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) free? Try Hevo for Free Share Share To LinkedIn Share To Facebook Share To X Copy Link A client tool is required for any SQL Server DBA, Developer, or end-user to connect to SQL Server and utilize its functionalities. This is where SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) helps you. You can leverage SSDT to create database projects in Visual Studio. Read this article to know more about Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools and their amazing features. You will also understand the need for SSDT. In addition, you will understand the detailed steps to set up SQL Server Data Tools to make your workflows easy. Table of Contents What is Microsoft SQL Server?Key FeaturesWhat are Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools?The Need for SQL Server Data ToolsKey Features of SQL Server Data ToolsSteps to Set Up SQL Server Data ToolsStep 1: Install SQL Server Data ToolsStep 2: Create SQL Server Data Tools ProjectStep 3: Publish the Project with the SQL Server Data ToolsSome Alternatives to SQL Server Data Tools1. DbForge Studio for SQL Server2. PopSQL3. DbVizualizer4. Valentina Studio5. Aqua Data StudioConclusionFAQs about SSDT1. What is in SQL Server Data Tools?2. Which tool is used for SQL Server?3. What is SQL Server ETL tool?4. Is SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) free? What is Microsoft SQL Server? Microsoft SQL Server is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) used in corporate IT operations to serve a wide range of applications, including Transaction Processing, Business Intelligence, and Analytics. SQL Server, as the name implies, is built on top of SQL, a database management and search language used by database administrators and IT professionals. Key Features Let us discuss some of its key features. SQL Language Support: It uses T-SQL(Transaction SQL), which is an extension of SQL that includes features such as procedural programming and error handling to enhance query processing. Scalability and Performance: It provides in-memory processing for performance improvement of transaction-intensive workloads. It divides larger tables into smaller manageable pieces to improve performance. Disaster Recovery: It provides solutions for high availability and disaster recovery, backing them with auto-failover and read-only replicas. It also backs up, copies, and restores the transaction logs on a secondary server. What are Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools? Microsoft’s SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a Visual Studio development solution for developing SQL Server relational databases. SSDT is a broader term that includes more than simply new database tools. It’s essentially a repackaging of the Business Intelligence Developer Studio (BIDS) product from Visual Studio 2008. In addition to the new database tools, SSDT supports the conventional BIDS project types for SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), Reporting Services (SSRS), and Integration Services (SSIS). As a result of SSDT, Microsoft has now consolidated all SQL Server database development experiences into a single Visual Studio edition. The Need for SQL Server Data Tools In this section, you will get a better understanding of what is the need of using SQL Server Data Tools. Efficient Database Development: It allows you to design, develop, and manage SQL Server databases within the same environment. Version Control and Collaboration: It enables integration with source control to track changes and collaborate with different team members. Automated Deployment: It generates deployment scripts and automates database changes, reducing manual intervention and, hence, the associated risk of errors. Key Features of SQL Server Data Tools Let us take a glance at some of the significant features of SSDT: Declarative-Schema-Based Database Design: You can automate the management and deployment of different database versions without manual ALTER scripts. It can work in both connected and disconnected modes. Reverse Engineer Databases: You can create new databases or import existing ones in order to modify the schema and import existing schemas into SSDT. Schema and Data Comparison: You can compare and reconcile differences between database schemas and data and then develop T-SQL scripts to address these discrepancies. Generate XML Reports: it also supports Integration Services, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services and generates XML reports of the changes via .dacpac files. Unlock Seamless Data Integration with Hevo Hevo is a powerful data integration platform that simplifies the process of moving data across your ecosystem. With 150+ plug-and-play integrations, Hevo streamlines your data workflows without the need for coding. Key features include: Effortless Data Streaming: Directly integrate Kafka with your desired destinations, ensuring real-time data flow into your data systems. Customizable Pipelines: Tailor data pipelines to meet specific needs with flexible configuration options. Scalable Performance: Handle large volumes of data and high-throughput environments efficiently. Experience the ease of data integration with Hevo and enhance your data management capabilities. Explore our ratings on Capterra and G2 to see why Hevo is a top choice for modern data integration. Move your SQL Server Data for Free Steps to Set Up SQL Server Data Tools Now that you have understood the significance of SQL Server Data Tools, let’s explore the key steps involved to work with SQL Server Data Tools. Follow the detailed steps below to leverage SSDT in your use case: Step 1: Install SQL Server Data Tools While installing SSDT, you need to select the important features. In case you already have it installed in you system, check that the required features are available. You can check the box next to SQL Server Data Tools. Step 2: Create SQL Server Data Tools Project The SQL Server project makes it possible to create an SQL Server database in an integrated environment that includes typical Visual Studio capabilities like code navigation, validation, and debugging that developers are used to. Step 2.1: After the SSDT installation is complete, go to the Start menu and choose Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools 2012. Step 2.2: Open the SQL Server Data Tools and choose File→ New → Project. Next, fill in the project name and location as shown below. Step 2.3: By right-clicking on the project in the Solution Explorer and selecting Import, you can import the schema from an existing database. Step 2.4: Click on Start once you are done. Step 3: Publish the Project with the SQL Server Data Tools You can use Publish to publish your database project to SQL Server 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, or SQL Azure. Step 3.1: To publish a project, right-click it in the Solution Explorer and choose to Publish; then fill in the fields as shown below. You have now learned the detailed steps to install, configure, create, and publish your SQL Data Server Tool Projects. The Ultimate Guide to Evaluate ETL Solutions Download for Free Great Work! You have learned the detailed steps to install, configure, create and publish your SQL Data Server Tool Projects. Also, check out the 10 Best Microsoft SQL Server ETL Tools. Some Alternatives to SQL Server Data Tools Now that you know how to install, configure, and set up SSDT, it can be a complex process. I have listed down 5 SQL Server Data Tools alternatives that you can use for seamless database development. 1. DbForge Studio for SQL Server DbForge Studio for SQL Server is a fully-fledged development environment. It offers comprehensive tools for database design, management, and query development with advanced schema and data comparison, database refactoring, and robust query editing in an easy-to-use interface. Key Features Query Building and Execution: It has an advanced query editor with syntax highlighting, code completion, and excellent execution capabilities. Database Refactoring: It has built-in refactoring capabilities to rename objects, change data types, and restructure database schema. Pricing You can request a demo and also buy their plans. It offers three main pricing plans: Standard Professional Enterprise To know the exact prices, you can visit DbForge Studio’s pricing page. Advantages over SSDT It has a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, as compared to SSDT, which makes it easy to use for some users. While DbForge Studio for SQL Server allows integrated database design, query building, and data management in a single tool, SSDT typically requires integration with other tools for handling data, which can be expensive. Cons It is primarily focused on SQL Server and, therefore, might not work in environments using multiple database platforms. While this tool comes with a very feature-rich set, there might be a steeper learning curve for users who are new to it. 2. PopSQL PopSQL is a collaborative SQL editor that makes it easy for you to create, share, and visualize SQL queries using a simple interface. It integrates with a bunch of databases and provides features to drive collaborative analysis and reporting. Key Features Collaborative SQL Editor: You can collaborate in real-time on SQL queries with your teammates. Multi-Database Support: It can connect to a variety of databases, including SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, among others. Visual Query Building: It consists of tools that can visualize the result of your queries by creating information-centric, interactive dashboards. Pricing The pricing structure is divided into 4 plans, that are: Free Premium Business Enterprise Read more about PopSql’s pricing plans. Advantages over SSDT Let us discuss the major advantages of PopSQL that make it better than SSDT. It allows several users to edit SQL statements at the same time; it is one of the features that SSDT does not support. It offers a modern, web-based interface with visualization of query building and dashboards, that provides a better user experience as compared to SSDT. Cons Since it is a web-based tool, it can face performance and connectivity issues. It may lack some advanced features like schema comparison and database refactoring. 3. DbVizualizer DbVisualizer is a universal database tool that provides a complete user interface environment for database management, querying, and visualization across a variety of database platforms. It supports most of the databases available and provides comprehensive tools for data analysis and management. Key Features Database Management Tools: It offers schema management, backup, and monitoring tools to evaluate the performance of databases. ER Diagrams: It generates entity-relationship diagrams automatically to visualize database schema for your better understanding. SQL Editor: It consists of a full-featured SQL editor that supports code completion, syntax highlighting, and execution capabilities. Pricing It offers three main pricing plans: Free Pro – Full Feature Set + 60 Days Support Pro – Full Feature Set + Premium Support For more details, you can check out DbVizualizer’s pricing plans. Advantages over SSDT It supports a wide range of databases and is not only oriented to SQL Server like SSDT. It facilitates advanced data visualization and ER diagram capabilities, whereas SSDT has only basic visualization tools. Cons Since it contains an extensive feature set, this may result in a steep learning curve as compared to other tools. It can be expensive in terms of its subscription fees as compared to others. 4. Valentina Studio Valentina Studio is one of the multi-database management tools that allows advanced designing, querying, and managing in various database platforms. It provides users with a single interface for all types of database work, from SQL Server to MySQL, PostgreSQL, and many more. Key Features Report Builder: It provides an inbuilt report builder to create and design reports right within the application. Data Management: It provides tools for importing, exporting, and managing data and also allows one to make database backups and restores. Database Design Tools: It provides features related to designing a schema, making ER diagrams, and modeling databases. Pricing It has three pricing plans that are: Free Valentina Studio Single Valentina Studio Pro Universal You can visit their pricing page to learn more about the associated costs. Advantages over SSDT It provides advanced schema synchronization tools for greater database platform support in an environment with multiple types of databases. It comes with an in-built report designer that can be used to fabricate custom reports right inside the tool, which is more integrated than SSDT. Cons It might integrate less seamlessly with DevOps and contemporary CI/CD tools than SSDT, which is tightly integrated within Visual Studio and the development ecosystem of Microsoft. It has very few community resources, tutorials and third party extensions available. 5. Aqua Data Studio Aqua Data Studio is a fully integrated database administration and development tool that supports a variety of databases while providing advanced features in areas such as querying, modeling, and managing data. It facilitates a unified environment in which database administrators and developers can operate across multi-platforms. Key Features Version Control Integration: It integrates with source systems to provide version control for database scripts and changes. Customizable User Interface: You can customize the workspace and toolbars according to your preferences with different layouts as desired, which will result in increased workflow efficiency. Integrated ER Diagram Editor: It supports interactive Entity-Relationship diagram creation and editing, for generating schema updates. Pricing The pricing structure of Aqua Data consists of: A 14 Day Free Trial Standard Ultimate Visit the pricing page of Aqua Data to know more about the subscription fees. Advantages over SSDT Let us discuss some of the key advantages that make Aqua Data Studio better than SSDT. It keeps a history of executed queries and changes made to a database, allowing you to review it and track past work. It provides advanced functionalities in data profiling, exploration, and statistical analytics to help you develop a better understanding of data quality and the underlying patterns hidden. Cons The costs associated with the Pro and Enterprise versions can be relatively high as compared to other tools. The initial setup and configuration can be complex. Conclusion In this article, you were introduced to Microsoft SQL Server and its promising SQL Server Data Tools. You understood the need for SQL Server Data Tools and its various features. Moreover, you learned the key steps to set up your SQL Server Data Tools. However, there can be some limitations to it such as its narrow focus on SQL Server, less advanced data visualization features, and limited cross-database support. Finding the right SQL Server alternative involves evaluating your needs around scalability and ease of integration. Explore the various options to identify the best fit for your projects! For additional insights, visit SQL Server alternatives. By exploring alternatives such as DbForge Studio, Valentina and many more, you can leverage a broader range of functionalities and better align your toolsets with your specific needs, whether you require multi-database support, advanced data management, or enhanced reporting capabilities. Each of these tools offers unique advantages that can complement or even surpass the capabilities of SSDT, helping you achieve greater efficiency and flexibility in their database management tasks. FAQs about SSDT 1. What is in SQL Server Data Tools? SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) provides a comprehensive suite for database development, including schema design, database deployment, debugging, and integration with SQL Server projects, along with support for SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Analysis Services (SSAS), and Reporting Services (SSRS). 2. Which tool is used for SQL Server? SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is commonly used for managing and administering SQL Server databases, while SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) focuses on database development and deployment. 3. What is SQL Server ETL tool? SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool for SQL Server, designed to handle data extraction, transformation, and loading from various sources into a SQL Server database. 4. Is SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) free? Yes, SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is available for free as a component of Visual Studio, providing users with database development and management capabilities at no additional cost. Shubhnoor Gill Research Analyst, Hevo Data Shubhnoor is a data analyst with a proven track record of translating data insights into actionable marketing strategies. She leverages her expertise in market research and product development, honed through experience across diverse industries and at Hevo Data. Currently pursuing a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence, Shubhnoor is a dedicated learner who stays at the forefront of data-driven marketing trends. Her data-backed content empowers readers to make informed decisions and achieve real-world results. Liked the content? Share it with your connections. Share To LinkedIn Share To Facebook Share To X Copy Link Related Articles Free ETL Tools for MySQL: 9 Best Ones to Use What is SQL Server Change Tracking and How to Implement It? PostgreSQL vs SQL Server (MSSQL): Detailed Comparison Amazon Redshift vs SQL Server: Top 7 Unique Differences Explained Top 10 Microsoft SQL Server Alternatives in 2025