SQL Server Management Studio 2008 Intellisense

Question

I just installed SQL Server Express 2008 because of intellisense feature. It worked at first but than it stopped working. Looking for the option to check and later consultin

Answer 1

If you have installed correct version and if you still haven't Intellisense this may help you.

1) Make sure you are connected to SQL Server 2008 Edition. IntelliSense does not work with the previous versions of SQL Server.

2) IntelliSense should be enabled. There are two ways to verify whether IntelliSense is enabled or not. a) From Toolbar b) Go to Tools -> Options -> Text Editor -> Transact-SQL -> IntelliSense

3) IntelliSense should be refreshed with the latest changes in database.
a) Press CTRL+SHIFT+R b) Go to Edit -> IntelliSense -> Refresh Local Cache

4) Go to Tools -> Options -> Text Editor -> Transact-SQL -> General -> IntelliSense Select Auto List Members and Check Parameter Information.

Answer 2

You can use intellisense in DbOctopus - works with SQL Server 2005 and 2000 too. It's currently free, but only until 1st September 2009.

You can find it here:

http://www.cogin.com/dboctopus/

Answer 3

Don't think of it so much that they disabled intellisense in SQL Server 2005 so much as that SQL Server 2005 wasn't built with intellisense support in mind; there is code in the SQL Server 2008 database engine that supports the intellisense feature in Management Studio 2008.

Yes, I know it seemed to work in the later CTP previews, but some googling (and DilbertDave's link) reveals that there were a number of ways in which the CTP behavior was broken.

Answer 4

I have been using Atlantis SQL Enywhere, a free software, for almost more than an year now and have been really impressed with it. Works with SQL 2005 and SQL 2008 versions. I am really impressed with its features and keyboard shortcuts are similar to VS, so makes the transition really smooth to a new editor.

Some of the features that are worth mentioning.

Intellisense that actually works when using multiple tables and joins with aliases Suggestion of joins when using multiple tables (reduces time on typing, really neat) Rich formatting of sql code, AutoIndent using Ctrl K, Ctrl D. Better representation of SQL plans. Highlights variables declarations while they are used. Table definition on mouse hover.

All these features have saved me lot of time.

Have not checked this on SQL 2012 yet.

Answer 5

Just use toad, waaaaay better than any Microsoft tool. There's a freeware version.

Toad Soft

Answer 6

By the way, recently we have released a new version of SQL Complete that offers a bunch of new features. All new features are available in shareware Standard Edition (30-days free trial, $49.95).

You still can get all basic functionality, similar to v. 1.0, with Express Edition.