Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio vs TablePlus

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Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

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Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio vs TablePlus: What are the differences?

Introduction

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and TablePlus are both popular database management tools used by professionals for managing and working with databases. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that make them unique in their own ways. In this article, we will explore six key differences between Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and TablePlus.

  1. User Interface Design: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) has a visually appealing and intuitive user interface design. It offers a wide range of GUI-based tools and features for efficient database management. On the other hand, TablePlus focuses on simplicity and minimalism in its user interface design. It offers a clean and modern interface that is easy to navigate and use.

  2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: One major difference between the two tools is their cross-platform compatibility. Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is exclusively available for Windows operating systems. In contrast, TablePlus is a cross-platform tool that is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes TablePlus a more versatile choice for users who work on different operating systems.

  3. Database Support: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is specifically designed for managing Microsoft SQL Server databases. It offers extensive support for Microsoft SQL Server functionality and features. On the other hand, TablePlus supports a wide range of databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more. This makes TablePlus a preferred choice for users who work with multiple database systems.

  4. Collaboration and Productivity: TablePlus emphasizes collaboration and productivity features to enhance team collaboration. It offers features like code collaboration, real-time data collaboration, and native SSH support. In contrast, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) does not offer as many collaboration-oriented features, making it more suitable for individual users or small teams.

  5. Advanced Querying and Scripting: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides advanced querying and scripting capabilities for working with SQL databases. It offers a rich set of tools for writing complex queries, debugging scripts, and analyzing execution plans. TablePlus also provides basic querying and scripting capabilities, but it may not have the same level of advanced features and tools as SSMS.

  6. Cost and Licensing: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a free tool that can be downloaded and used without any additional cost. However, it is worth noting that the underlying Microsoft SQL Server database may require a separate license for commercial use. On the other hand, TablePlus offers a free version with limited features, as well as a paid version with additional features. The pricing of TablePlus varies depending on the subscription plan chosen.

In summary, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) offers a visually appealing interface with extensive support for Microsoft SQL Server databases, while TablePlus focuses on simplicity and cross-platform compatibility with support for multiple database systems. TablePlus also emphasizes collaboration and productivity features, whereas SSMS provides advanced querying and scripting capabilities. The choice between the two tools depends on individual preferences, requirements, and the specific database systems being used.

Advice on Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and TablePlus

I am looking to build an azure database that connects to my power bi application. Initially, I attempted to create an Azure SQL database, then realized I needed to have SQL Server Management Service in order to manage and connect between Azure SQL <=> Power BI, but since I am on a Mac, I had to use the complex installation as a workaround.

If MySQL Workbench can solve this (as the product is available on Mac), I am more than happy to proceed with this approach if it can achieve the same goal of connecting an azure database with my Power BI application

What I am trying to achieve is fairly simple: have an online cloud database that connects to my Power BI application

I am open to any other solutions as well

Thank you

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Replies (5)
Oded Arbel
Recommends
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MySQL WorkBenchMySQL WorkBench

As others have noted, MySQL Workbench cannot be used instead of Microsoft SQL Manager to manage Azure SQL (MS-SQL Server, I hate that Microsoft uses generic category names for their products).

If you're considering switching to MySQL (Possibly using Azure MySQL managed database), then please not that unlike MS-SQL Server, you do not need the MySQL Workbench to connect your application to MysQL: just use the correct driver for your stack, and you're all set (if your stack is using the .Net platform, use MySQL Connector/NET from: https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/net/ ).

If you do want to use a graphical interface to maintain your MySQL database, then MySQL Workbench is a great choice, but you are not limited to it - as others have mentioned, there is a plethora of competing graphical database management tools that would work just as well with MySQL - one of the advantages of choosing MySQL for your stack is the huge eco-system that is built around it.

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Lawrence Fernandes
Data Engineer at B2W Digital · | 1 upvotes · 219.4K views
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DBeaverDBeaver

Hello Could you give us a better idea of what Data Base Management System (DBMS) you are using at Azure? MySQL Workbench and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) are tools developed to exclusively manage MySQL and SQL Server, respectively. If you need to manage multiple DBMS's from a single tool, I sugget you try DBeaver. There are also another alternatives: HeidiSQL, phpMyAdmin, etc. Regarding the DBMS itself, I suggest you stick with SQL Server. In my opinion it's more stable and has more features than MySQL - especially in the Standard and Enterprise editions. Regards, Lawrence

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Erica Rowe
Tech Lead at eComEngine LLC · | 1 upvotes · 219.4K views
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AzureDataStudioAzureDataStudio

Microsoft provides an application known as Azure Data Studio that runs on Windows, Mac and Linux machines. It provides the ability to manage an Azure SQL database, as well as connecting to standard SQL Server databases. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/azure-data-studio/what-is?view=sql-server-ver15

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Povilas Brilius
PHP Web Developer at GroundIn Software · | 1 upvotes · 219.9K views

As far as I know, MySQL Workbench doesn't handle Microsoft connections, including Azure, you should try Microsoft solutions such as MS VS Code.

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Julien DeFrance
Principal Software Engineer at Tophatter · | 1 upvotes · 219.3K views

Hi Aashwiin, Looking at your stack (https://stackshare.io/aashwiin82347/my-stack), it seems you are using Azure SQL Databases. I'll infer this is Microsoft SQL Server. Therefore, it certainly makes sense you stick with some of the official Microsoft Tooling to connect to it, query and administer it. You'd only be looking at MySQL Query Workbench, if you were running and connecting to a MySQL Database. - That said, could Azure MySQL (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/mysql/overview) be an option for you a this point? MySQL offers great performance. I have been running it at various companies (under AWS/RDS and AWS/Aurora) and have no reason to switch over to anything else. - Decision making-wise, how much do your want your local sql/mysql client to influence/weigh in your architecture/technology decisions, though? This can be a slippery slope. - Alternatively, other clients exist, such as "Table Plus" and allow you to connect, on Mac, to a variety of database servers, including SQL Server. It might be worth giving it a try.

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Pros of Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
Pros of TablePlus
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    • 5
      Great tool, sleek UI, run fast and secure connections
    • 3
      Free
    • 2
      Perfect for develop use
    • 1
      Security

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    What is Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio?

    It is an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database. It provides tools to configure, monitor, and administer instances of SQL Server and databases. Use it to deploy, monitor, and upgrade the data-tier components used by your applications, as well as build queries and scripts.

    What is TablePlus?

    TablePlus is a native app which helps you easily edit database data and structure. TablePlus includes many security features to protect your database, including native libssh and TLS to encrypt your connection.

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    What companies use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio?
    What companies use TablePlus?
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    What tools integrate with Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio?
    What tools integrate with TablePlus?

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    What are some alternatives to Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and TablePlus?
    Microsoft SQL Server
    Microsoft® SQL Server is a database management and analysis system for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
    MySQL WorkBench
    It enables a DBA, developer, or data architect to visually design, model, generate, and manage databases. It includes everything a data modeler needs for creating complex ER models, forward and reverse engineering, and also delivers key features for performing difficult change management and documentation tasks that normally require much time and effort.
    Microsoft Access
    It is an easy-to-use tool for creating business applications, from templates or from scratch. With its rich and intuitive design tools, it can help you create appealing and highly functional applications in a minimal amount of time.
    AzureDataStudio
    It is a cross-platform database tool for data professionals using the Microsoft family of on-premises and cloud data platforms on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
    PostgreSQL
    PostgreSQL is an advanced object-relational database management system that supports an extended subset of the SQL standard, including transactions, foreign keys, subqueries, triggers, user-defined types and functions.
    See all alternatives