dbForge SQL Complete

Pros

• Context-based code completion improves efficiency
• Customizable SQL formatting enforces consistency
• Feature-rich IntelliSense-like capabilities
• Useful code snippets save time
• Integrates with multiple versions of Visual Studio

Cons

• Full range of features requires the paid version
• May have a learning curve for advanced features

Enhanced Autocompletion and Code Management with dbForge SQL Complete

dbForge SQL Complete is a comprehensive add-in designed to streamline and enhance coding within Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio. Serving as an extension to the native Intellisense, SQL Complete brings a new level of efficiency and ease to coding through its sophisticated set of features that bolster autocomplete functionality and code formatting for T-SQL.

Feature-Rich Code Completion

One of the standout characteristics of dbForge SQL Complete is its context-based code completion, which intelligently predicts the next keyword or object name as you type, based on the current coding context within your script. This smart filtering technology significantly reduces typing tasks and aids in avoiding syntactic and semantic errors.

The add-in enhances code writing with features like quick parameter info for functions, making it much easier to understand what parameters a function requires without the need to navigate away from your current script. For busy developers, features like these can contribute to a marked improvement in productivity.

SQL Formatter and IntelliSense-like Features

SQL Complete also boasts a customizable SQL formatting tool that can help maintain consistency across your codebase and adhere to team or project style guidelines. This can be a lifesaver in collaborative environments where code readability is paramount.

Its IntelliSense-like capabilities are far-reaching, offering not just completion but expansion of INSERT, ALTER, and EXEC statements, which further speeds up the development process. The suggestion box is semi-transparent, an intelligent design choice that minimizes visual obstruction while you're working in the editor.

Navigation and Code-Snippets

Navigating through complex code structures is facilitated by features like 'Go to definition' for database objects, allowing immediate jumping to the source of a particular object. In addition, the Document Outline window provides a structured overview of your code, helping you quickly locate and manage sections of your scripts effectively.

The add-in includes an array of carefully curated code snippets that cover common SQL patterns and commands, efficiently expediting code production and ensuring you don't need to write repetitive code structures from scratch.

Documentation and Integration

The tool fits well in various development environments, supporting integrations with multiple editions of Visual Studio ranging from 2008 to 2013. This versatility ensures that development teams, regardless of the Visual Studio edition they employ, can take advantage of SQL Complete's capabilities.

Performance and Usability

dbForge SQL Complete performs smoothly, without noticeable lag when providing real-time suggestions, a critical measure for any IntelliSense extension. The interface is intuitive and does not detract from the primary IDE experience, allowing new users to adopt the tool with minimal learning curve.

Conclusion

dbForge SQL Complete stands out as a powerful aid for developers looking to accelerate coding and minimize errors in SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio. Its intelligent code completion, formatting tools, and additional features for code insight and navigation position it as a valuable asset in a developer's toolkit.

Pros

• Context-based code completion improves efficiency
• Customizable SQL formatting enforces consistency
• Feature-rich IntelliSense-like capabilities
• Useful code snippets save time
• Integrates with multiple versions of Visual Studio

Cons

• Full range of features requires the paid version
• May have a learning curve for advanced features