How to enable line numbers in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Introduction

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a popular tool for managing and working with SQL Server databases. One of the features that can be helpful when working with SQL scripts is the ability to show line numbers in the code editor. Line numbers can be helpful when debugging and troubleshooting scripts and working with large and complex scripts. In this article, we will be discussing how to enable line numbers in SSMS, as well as other related tips and best practices.

We will be going over the step-by-step instructions on how to enable line numbers in the query window and explaining the benefits of using line numbers in your SQL script development. The article will also show an alternative way to achieve the same result in case someone wants to use that.

How to enable line numbers in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)?

To enable line numbers in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1. Connect SQL Server and Open SQL query editor.

Open SSMS and connect SQL Server, then open the query window where you would like to show line numbers as shown below in figure-1.

Figure-1

Step 2. Open Tool options.

To open tool options, click on the "Tools" menu and select "Options," as shown below figure-2.

Figure-2

Step 3. Select "All Languages" in the "Text Editor" options.

Select "All Languages" in the "Text Editor" options. As we opened the "Options" dialog box in the last step, now expand the "Text Editor" node and select "All Languages" as shown below figure-2.

Figure-3

Step 4. Check the "Line numbers" checkbox.

To check the "Line numbers" checkbox, expand the "All Languages" Node, then Check the checkbox named "Line numbers" under the general tab as shown below figure-4.

Figure-4

Step 4. Save the changes.

To save the changes, click "OK," and the "Options" dialog box will close automatically, as shown below in figure-5.

Figure-5

Now you can see line numbers in the SQL editor window, as shown below figure-6.

Figure-6

Line Numbers is a global setting that will apply to all SQL query windows, so you don't need to do it again after enabling it.

Line numbers will be beneficial while debugging, identifying the error, and refactoring the code.

Also, you can press Ctrl + G; it will open the "Go to Line" Dialog; in this dialog, there's a text box to enter line numbers on which line you want to go in the current SQL editor tab, as shown in below figure-7.

Figure-7

What are the uses of Line numbers in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)?

Using line numbers in the SQL code editor can be helpful when working with SQL scripts. There are several ways in which line numbers can be helpful:

1. Debugging - Line numbers can identify the line of code where an error occurs, making it easier to debug and troubleshoot problems in your scripts.
2. Refactoring - Line numbers can be used as a reference when making script changes, such as when renaming variables or reorganizing code.
3. Reviewing - Line numbers can be helpful when reviewing the code, making it easier to understand the script's structure and identify any parts that may need to be changed.
4. Error Location - If you get an error message referencing a line number, it will be easy to identify the error in the script.
5. Large Scripts - In the case of large scripts, it is hard to locate the exact line; having line numbers will help identify the same line.

Line numbers can also be helpful for visually separating different sections of a script and making it easier to navigate the code. When working with large and complicated scripts, it can be easier to understand the flow of a script with line numbers.

Line numbers are a useful tool for developers and DBAs to understand the code better, making the scripts' development, troubleshooting, and maintenance much more accessible. 

Conclusion

Here, we have learned how to enable line numbers and what are the uses of line numbers in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

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