Macros in SQL Server Management Studio

Question

Is there any way to implement text editing macros in SSMS? I would, e.g. like to convert the the code as shown below, but with a key-press, not a long-winded regex search and r

Answer 1

If you are using SSMS 2005 upwards it has in built support for templates. It isn't exactly full blown macro's, but non the less it is still pretty useful.

The syntax is exactly as you have shown in your first code snippet and you simply press Ctrl+Shift+M to bring up a dialog box that prompts you for the values to go into your bits enclosed in angle brackets.

SQL server generates script in this format if you right click on a table and select "Script Table as" then pick either the insert, update or delete option.

You can also create your own custom templates, or modify one of the existing built in ones (click on View -> Template explorer to get access to the other inbuilt templates).

There is a short article on MSDN that explains how to get started with templates.