Use Query Editor to execute Queries

To execute queries in SQL Server 2022, you'll typically use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and its Query Editor window. Below is a two-part explanation, including background theory and a practical example. 1. Background Theory: Query Editor in SQL Server 2022
What is the Query Editor?
The Query Editor in SSMS is an interface that allows users to:

• Write and execute Transact-SQL (T-SQL) statements.
• View and analyze query results.
• Use IntelliSense, syntax highlighting, and code completion.
• Analyze execution plans and performance metrics.

Core Functions of the Query Editor

• Connect to a database: You must select or connect to a database before running queries.
• Run DML and DDL commands: You can perform SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, as well as CREATE, ALTER, and DROP.
• Use of toolbars and keyboard shortcuts:
  • F5 or Ctrl + E to execute.
  • Ctrl + R to toggle the results pane.
  • Ctrl + K, Ctrl + C to comment lines.

Why Use the Query Editor?
It is the primary interface for DBAs, developers, and analysts when:

• Building and testing database objects (views, procedures, triggers).
• Performing ad-hoc queries for reporting or debugging.
• Writing scripts for deployment and automation.

2. Example: Executing Queries in SSMS 2022
Scenario: Querying a Sample Table
Step-by-Step

1. Open SSMS and Connect to Your SQL Server
   • Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
   • Connect to your local or remote SQL Server 2022 instance.
2. Open a New Query Window
   • Click “New Query” in the toolbar.
   • Select the desired database from the dropdown.
3. View Results
   • Press F5 or click Execute.
   • The Results pane shows the output, and the Messages pane shows execution status or errors.
4. Write and Execute a Query

   USE AdventureWorks2022;
   GO
   
   -- Retrieve all employees in the Sales department
   SELECT FirstName, LastName, JobTitle
   FROM HumanResources.vEmployee
   WHERE Department = 'Sales';
   

✅ Summary
Using the Query Editor in SQL Server 2022 enables you to:

1. Write and test SQL scripts interactively
   • Interactive script writing
   • Script testing
2. Perform database operations with rich tooling
   • Database operations
   • Rich tooling
3. Efficiently analyze query output and performance
   • Query output analysis
   • Performance analysis

This part of the Management Studio takes the place of what was, at one time, a separate tool that was called Query Analyzer. The Query window is your tool for interactive sessions with a given SQL Server. It is where you can execute statements using Transact-SQL (T-SQL). I pronounce it "Tee-Squeal" but it is supposed to be "Tee-Sequel." T-SQL is the native language of SQL Server and is a dialect of Structured Query Language (SQL), and is largely compliant with modern ANSI/ISO SQL standards. You will that most RDBMS products support basic ANSI/ISO SQL compatibility. Because the Query window is where you will spend a fair amount of time, let us take a more in-depth look at this tool and get familiar with how to use it.

• Getting Started
  Follow these steps:
  1. Open a new Query window by clicking the New Query button toward the top-left of the Management Studio or choosing
     File -> New -> New Query With Current Connection from the File menu.
     When the Query window opens, you will get context-sensitive menus and toolbar buttons designed for T-SQL. Before you look at the specifics, let us get your very first query out of the way.
  2. Select AdventureWorks in the database dropdown box on the SQL Editor toolbar.
  3. Type the following code into the main window of the Query window: SELECT * FROM Person.Address;

In the next lesson, we will take a look at the wizards that come with Microsoft SQL Server 2022.