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Chapter 5: SQL Server Management and Development Tools
5
■ (^) Opening several windows can keep the tools right at hand, but unless you have a
mega monitor (a 24” widescreen works well!), the windows will likely use too much
real estate. One solution is auto-hiding any docked window that you want out of the
way until the window’s tab is clicked. To auto-hide a window toggle the pin icon
in the window’s title bar. When the pin is vertical, the window stays open. When
the window is unpinned, the window auto-hides. An auto-hidden window must be
pinned back to normal before its mode can be changed to fl oating or tabbed. You
might fi nd that you accidentally open the hidden tab so much that you avoid auto-
hiding windows. Or you might fi nd the feature useful.
Ctrl+Tab displays all windows and documents. You can click a window or document with the Ctrl key still depressed to
select it. You can also use the arrow keys with the Ctrl key still depressed and release Ctrl when the window you need
is selected. One press of Ctrl+Tab selects the most recently selected document. Repeatedly pressing Ctrl+Tab cycles
though all the documents in the center location.
To reset Management Studio to its default confi guration (Object Explorer, Tabbed
Documents, Property Window) use the Window ➪ Reset Window Layout menu command.
Fortunately, this command does not reset any custom toolbar modifi cations.
To hide all the docked windows and keep only the tabbed documents in the center visible,
use the Window ➪ Auto Hide All menu command.
The fl exible positioning of the windows means you can confi gure the interface to give
you access to the tools in whatever way makes you the most comfortable and productive.
You might tend to close every window but the Query Editor and work with multiple scripts
using the vertical split panes, as shown in Figure 5-2.
The Context Menu
In keeping with the Microsoft Windows interface standards, the context menu (accessed
via right-click) is the primary means to select actions or view properties throughout
Management Studio. The context menu for most object types includes submenus for new
objects and tasks. These are the workhorse menus within Management Studio.
Add -nosplash to your SQL Server Management Studio shortcuts to improve startup time. To do this, right-click your
SSMS shortcut (on your desktop, Start menu or taskbar) and go to Properties. In the Target window, add -nosplash
after the quotes.
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