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SQL Prompt VS ApexSQL Refactor

Compare SQL Prompt VS ApexSQL Refactor and see what are their differences

SQL Prompt logo SQL Prompt

SQL Prompt Pro strips away the repetition of coding by making writing, formatting, and refactoring...

ApexSQL Refactor logo ApexSQL Refactor

ApexSQL Refactor is a free SQL formatter and database refactoring tool for SQL Server.
  • SQL Prompt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-06
  • ApexSQL Refactor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21

SQL Prompt features and specs

  • Code Completion
    SQL Prompt provides intelligent code completion that suggests relevant keywords and object names, speeding up the coding process and reducing errors.
  • Code Formatting
    It offers customizable code formatting options, allowing users to maintain consistent code style across their SQL scripts and collaboration with team members.
  • Code Analysis
    SQL Prompt includes static code analysis that highlights potential issues, helping developers identify and fix performance and security problems quickly.
  • Snippet Manager
    The tool allows users to create and manage code snippets, saving time when writing repetitive code patterns or frequently used queries.
  • Auto-expands Wildcards
    Automatically expands wildcard characters to full column lists, helping avoid potential issues related to schema changes and improving query maintenance.
  • Integration
    Seamless integration with popular SQL Server development environments like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio boosts productivity.

Possible disadvantages of SQL Prompt

  • Cost
    SQL Prompt is a paid tool, which may not be suitable for individual developers or small teams with limited budgets.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may experience a learning curve to fully utilize all features and customization options available in SQL Prompt.
  • Limited to SQL Server
    SQL Prompt is designed specifically for SQL Server, which limits its use for developers who work with other database management systems.
  • Performance Overhead
    The tool might add some performance overhead to the development environment, especially on older machines, potentially affecting IDE responsiveness.
  • Dependency on Specific IDEs
    SQL Prompt is dependent on certain IDEs (like SSMS and Visual Studio) to function, thereby limiting its integration with other development tools.

ApexSQL Refactor features and specs

  • Improved Code Readability
    ApexSQL Refactor formats SQL code, helping to improve readability and maintainability by ensuring consistent styling.
  • Productivity Enhancements
    The tool automates repetitive refactoring tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex issues and speeding up the development process.
  • Code Analysis
    It includes features for analyzing code to ensure it adheres to best practices, potentially reducing bugs and improving performance.
  • Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with SQL Server Management Studio, which is familiar to many developers, requiring less time to adapt.

Possible disadvantages of ApexSQL Refactor

  • Learning Curve
    Initial setup and learning to use all features can be time-consuming for new users unfamiliar with the tool.
  • Potential Overhead
    Some users might find the addition of another tool into their workflow adds complexity and overhead, depending on the current environment.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running the tool can be resource-intensive, possibly affecting performance, especially on systems with limited resources.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While useful for basic refactoring, advanced users might find it lacks certain deep refactoring capabilities compared to other specialized tools.

Analysis of ApexSQL Refactor

Overall verdict

  • ApexSQL Refactor is a solid, free SQL code formatting and refactoring tool that integrates directly into SQL Server Management Studio and Visual Studio, making it a valuable productivity add-in for T-SQL developers and DBAs.

Why this product is good

  • It's completely free, offering excellent value for teams and individuals working with SQL Server
  • Integrates seamlessly with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Visual Studio
  • Provides extensive code formatting options with over 160 customizable formatting rules
  • Includes useful refactoring capabilities like safe object renaming, splitting tables, and encapsulating code as stored procedures
  • Helps enforce consistent coding standards across development teams
  • Offers features like adding surrogate keys, replacing one-to-many relationships, and object dependency tracking

Recommended for

  • SQL Server developers who want to standardize and clean up T-SQL code
  • Database administrators managing schema changes and refactoring tasks
  • Development teams needing consistent SQL formatting and coding conventions
  • Users of SSMS or Visual Studio looking for a free formatting add-in
  • Organizations wanting to improve code readability and maintainability without extra cost

SQL Prompt videos

Using Redgate SQL Prompt for Code Analysis

More videos:

  • Review - Using Code Analysis in SQL Prompt
  • Review - SQL Prompt Tips - #4 Working with system objects

ApexSQL Refactor videos

An introduction to ApexSQL Refactor

More videos:

  • Review - ApexSQL Refactor - Using the "Convert to code" feature

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SQL Prompt and ApexSQL Refactor)
Database Management
55 55%
45% 45
Databases
55 55%
45% 45
SQL
58 58%
42% 42
SQL Tools
50 50%
50% 50

User comments

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