Code completion is a feature in integrated development environments (IDEs) that assists programmers in writing code more efficiently and accurately. When a programmer types a few characters, code completion suggests possible completions for those characters, such as variable names, function names, and code snippets.
Code completion can save time by reducing the amount of typing required to write code, and it can help prevent syntax errors by suggesting valid code constructs. Additionally, code completion can help programmers discover new APIs or code libraries they may not have been aware of previously.
Many IDEs provide code completion, including popular ones such as Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA. The specific features and functionality of code completion can vary between IDEs and programming languages.
In this post we will endeavour a comparison between two popular development tools.
Table Of Contents
1. Azure Data Studio Benefits And Drawbacks
Azure Data Studio is a cross-platform database tool developed by Microsoft. It provides a modern and lightweight user interface for managing and developing databases in various database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
Some of the key features of Azure Data Studio include:
- Query Editor: A powerful and flexible query editor with support for syntax highlighting, code completion, and IntelliSense for various database platforms.
- Extensions: Azure Data Studio supports extensions that can be used to extend its functionality, including custom themes, snippets, and tools for managing and monitoring databases.
- Integrated Terminal: A terminal window that allows users to execute SQL commands and other shell commands directly within Azure Data Studio.
- Source Control Integration: Integration with Git and other source control systems for version control and collaboration with other developers.
- Dashboard: Azure Data Studio includes a customizable dashboard that provides an overview of the database environment, including metrics and insights into database performance and health.
- Data Import/Export: Azure Data Studio includes tools for importing and exporting data to and from various database platforms.
While Azure Data Studio has many benefits, there are also some cons to consider, including:
- Limited Functionality: Azure Data Studio does not have the full feature set of some other database tools, such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which is the official tool for managing SQL Server. Some advanced features may not be available in Azure Data Studio, which could be a limiting factor for some users.
- Learning Curve: While Azure Data Studio provides a modern and user-friendly interface, it may take some time to learn how to use all of its features effectively. Users who are already familiar with other database tools may need to invest time in learning how to use Azure Data Studio.
- Database Support: While Azure Data Studio supports multiple database platforms, it may not have the same level of support and integration for some platforms compared to other tools that are more specialized for those platforms.
- Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: While Azure Data Studio is developed by Microsoft, it may not integrate as well with other Microsoft tools as some other database tools do, such as SSMS.
- Limited Community Support: As Azure Data Studio is a relatively new tool, it may not have the same level of community support and resources as some other database tools, which could be a limiting factor for some users.
Azure Data Studio is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and is free to download and use. It provides a modern and efficient interface for managing and developing databases, making it a popular choice for developers and database administrators.
2. dbForge SQL Benefits And Drawbacks
dbForge SQL Complete is an add-in for SQL Server Management Studio and Microsoft Visual Studio that speeds up SQL coding, delivers context-based smart suggestions, performs formatting and refactoring, improves code readability, increases productivity, reduces costs, and much more
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: dbForge SQL provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and easy-to-use wizards, which makes it easier to use for non-experts.
- Powerful SQL editing: dbForge SQL provides advanced features for SQL editing, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and code snippets. This can help improve coding efficiency and reduce errors.
- Support for multiple databases: dbForge SQL supports multiple databases, including SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle, which makes it a versatile tool for working with different database platforms.
- Advanced database management: dbForge SQL provides advanced database management features such as backup and restore, database comparison, and schema synchronization. These features can help simplify database management tasks and improve productivity.
- Integration with Visual Studio: dbForge SQL integrates with Visual Studio, which makes it easier to work with SQL Server databases in the context of Visual Studio projects.
Cons:
- Limited free version: While dbForge SQL does offer a free version, it has limited functionality compared to the paid version.
- Performance issues: Some users have reported performance issues when working with large databases, which can slow down work and reduce productivity.
- Limited community support: dbForge SQL has a smaller user community compared to other database tools, which can limit the availability of resources and support.
- Limited database support: While dbForge SQL supports multiple databases, it may not have the same level of support and integration for some platforms compared to other tools that are more specialized for those platforms.
Overall, dbForge SQL is a powerful and versatile tool for database management and development, with a range of advanced features that can improve productivity and efficiency for developers and database administrators.
3. dbForge SQL vs Azure Data Studio
dbForge SQL and Azure Data Studio are two popular database management and development tools, but they have some key differences that may make one more suitable for certain users than the other.
Here are some of the main differences between dbForge SQL and Azure Data Studio:
- Platform support: dbForge SQL supports SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle, while Azure Data Studio supports SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, PostgreSQL, and MySQL. Depending on the database platform you are working with, one tool may be a better fit than the other.
- Features: While both tools offer features for SQL editing, database management, and integration with other tools, dbForge SQL has a stronger focus on SQL development, while Azure Data Studio has a more comprehensive feature set for managing and monitoring databases.
- User interface: dbForge SQL has a more traditional user interface, with a focus on toolbar and menu options, while Azure Data Studio has a more modern and customizable interface, with a focus on extensions and customization.
- Pricing: dbForge SQL is a commercial product with a range of pricing options, while Azure Data Studio is free and open source.
- Community support: Azure Data Studio has a larger user community and more resources available, while dbForge SQL has a smaller community of users.
Ultimately, the choice between dbForge SQL and Azure Data Studio will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a tool with a strong focus on SQL development and a more traditional user interface, dbForge SQL may be a good choice. If you need a more comprehensive tool for managing and monitoring databases, and prefer a customizable and modern user interface, Azure Data Studio may be a better fit.
4. Conlcusion
In conclusion, both Azure Data Studio and dbForge SQL are powerful database management and development tools, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Azure Data Studio is a free and open source tool with a modern and customizable interface, making it ideal for managing and monitoring databases. It supports multiple database platforms, including SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, PostgreSQL, and MySQL. However, it may have a steeper learning curve and limited functionality compared to other more specialized database tools.
dbForge SQL, on the other hand, is a commercial product with a focus on SQL development. It supports SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle databases, and offers advanced features for SQL editing and database management. It has a more traditional user interface, which may appeal to users who prefer a more familiar approach. However, it may have limited community support and performance issues when working with large databases.
Ultimately, the choice between Azure Data Studio and dbForge SQL will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a modern and customizable interface with a focus on managing and monitoring databases, Azure Data Studio may be a good choice. If you need a more specialized tool for SQL development with advanced features for database management, dbForge SQL may be a better fit.
