This metadata display represents one of Toad's greatest strengths, as it shows exactly the kind of things that DBAs and other serious database professionals would want to see when interacting with objects. The data includes object sizes, constraints, permissions, and dependencies. Toad's object explorer fairly closely matches the functionality provided by SSMS' object explorer, but double-clicking an object such as a stored procedure or table instantly loads the script for the selected object along with an extremely impressive bevy of context-sensitive metadata, shown here. Toad is much more responsive and fluid than SSMS using Toad feels like driving a Ferrari and SSMS feels like driving an old farm truck.

A connection manager made it easy to manage server connections. Installing Toad for SQL Server 4.1 on 64-bit Windows Vista was a breeze, and the quick-start documents provided by Quest gave me a great overview of Toad before I used it. For this article, I reviewed the Development Suite, which is available as a free trial.įigure 1: Toad for SQL Server's GUI. Toad for SQL Server Xpert, $1,045, adds T-SQL tuning wizards and capabilities, and Toad for SQL Server Development Suite, $1,295, adds benchmarking capabilities. The Professional Version costs $595 and, in my mind, provides the best cost to value ratio. There are three versions of Toad for SQL Server.

After working with Toad for SQL Server for a few days, I'm finding myself thinking about making the switch. Service packs and SQL Server 2008 have ameliorated my sentiments a bit, and SSMS is much better than the tools that ship with most other database platforms, but I've long wondered whether I'd jump ship if I could find another suitable product that met my needs. To me, it's always felt like a last-minute decision made by marketing folks who were more interested in forcing the 'Studio' branding than developer and DBA productivity. I've never been that impressed with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

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