The Editor pane in the SQL Query window provides a convenient way to
write SQL queries and scripts. The Editor's syntax-highlighting, function
parameter hinting, and SQL keyword auto completion features are designed to
add visual elements to your SQL code.
Syntax Highlighting
Syntax-highlighting provides color coding to all T-SQL language elements,
making your script easier to read and understand. The various color codes
are:
- T-SQL keywords (for example SELECT, SET,
etc...) are blue
- T-SQL functions (for example GETDATE(), COUNT,
@@VERSION, etc...) are fuchsia
- SQL operator and query joins keywords (for
example ALL, LIKE, LEFT JOIN) are gray
- Quoted strings are red
- Comments are teal
- Brackets and commas (,()[]) are maroon
The following is an example of syntax-highlighting:
Parameter Hinting
Function parameter hinting produces a list of expected parameters every
time you type the name of a T-SQL function followed by a bracket. The hint
saves you the hassle of going back to the manuals to retrieve function
syntax. The following example shows the hint for the STUFF() function:
Code Completion (Ctrl+<space bar>)
Code completion is an easy and convenient way to complete keywords after
providing the first few letters of their spelling. This feature saves you
time by not having to type the complete word and gives you a list of all
possible ways your T-SQL keyword can be completed. Keywords include all
T-SQL keywords plus system stored procedures and system tables. The
following example shows a list of all possible keywords that start with sp_a.
Type sp_a then press Ctrl+<space bar> to generate the list:
