Getting Started with SSDT for Visual Studio 2015: A Comprehensive Tutorial 'SSDT for Visual Studio 2015 Tutorial PDF'

Have you ever wondered how to create a database project from scratch or import an existing one into Visual Studio? If so, then this tutorial is for you. In this article, we'll take a step-by-step approach to introducing SSDT (SQL Server Data Tools) and show you how to create an empty database project and import an existing database using three methods.

First things first, let's talk about what SSDT is. SSDT is a free add-in from Microsoft that allows you to create a database project within Visual Studio. This means you can design, develop, test, and maintain your database project just like you would with any other project in Visual Studio.

If you already have Visual Studio installed, then getting started with SSDT is as simple as selecting it during the installation process. However, if you don't have Visual Studio installed, you can still get SSDT from the Visual Studio installer.

Once you have SSDT installed, let's create an empty database project. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio and select 'File' -> 'New' -> 'Project...'

2. In the 'New Project' dialog box, select 'SQL Server' under the 'Installed' templates section.

3. Choose 'SQL Server Database Project' and click 'OK'.

4. Name your project and choose a location to save it.

Now that you have an empty database project, let's talk about how to import an existing database using three methods:

Method 1: Import from Database

To import an existing database using the first method, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio and select 'File' -> 'Open' -> 'Project...'.

2. In the 'Open Project' dialog box, select 'SQL Server Database Project' under the 'SQL Server' section.

3. Choose the server you want to connect to and enter your database credentials.

4. Click 'Connect' to connect to the server.

5. Select the database you want to import and click 'OK'.

Method 2: Import from Script

To import an existing database using the second method, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio and select 'File' -> 'Open' -> 'Project...'.

2. In the 'Open Project' dialog box, select 'SQL Server Database Project' under the 'SQL Server' section.

3. Choose the script file you want to import (e.g., a SQL Server script file).

4. Click 'OK' to import the script.

Method 3: Import from Script with Parameters

To import an existing database using the third method, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio and select 'File' -> 'Open' -> 'Project...'.

2. In the 'Open Project' dialog box, select 'SQL Server Database Project' under the 'SQL Server' section.

3. Choose the script file you want to import (e.g., a SQL Server script file).

4. Click 'OK' to import the script with parameters.

That's it! You've successfully imported an existing database using three different methods. From here, you can start designing, developing, testing, and maintaining your database project within Visual Studio.

In this tutorial, we've only scratched the surface of what SSDT has to offer. There are many more features and benefits to explore, such as applying standards and best practices, validating compatibility with specific versions of SQL Server, and creating an automated process for deployment.

As we continue our journey through the world of DevOps and databases with SSDT, we'll be exploring these topics in more detail and introducing other tools like Redgate ReadyRoll. Stay tuned!

Ssdt for visual studio 2015 tutorial pdf