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
-
Open SSMS and Connect to Your SQL Server
- Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
- Connect to your local or remote SQL Server 2022 instance.
-
Open a New Query Window
- Click “New Query” in the toolbar.
- Select the desired database from the dropdown.
-
View Results
- Press F5 or click Execute.
- The Results pane shows the output, and the Messages pane shows execution status or errors.
-
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:
-
Write and test SQL scripts interactively
- Interactive script writing
- Script testing
-
Perform database operations with rich tooling
- Database operations
- Rich tooling
-
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:
- 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.
- Select AdventureWorks in the database dropdown box on the SQL Editor toolbar.
- 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.