Go get me a switch!
You probably access SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) using an icon somewhere in your Start menu or on your desktop. But did you know that there are several command-line switches that you can use to start SSMS and end up right where you want to go?
Drop to a command-prompt and type this:
Sqlwb /?
If the tools are in the system’s path variable, you’ll get a pop-up dialog explaining all of the options. Here they are, in case you’re reading this on a bus (like where I’m writing it!) – Note that case matters:
-S ServerName
This is the name of the server instance you want to connect to. If you don’t put anything here you’ll start up in a disconnected window, which can be useful if you just want to edit some scripts.
-d DatabaseName
This is the name of the database you want to connect to on the instance. If you don’t put anything here you will be dropped at the server itself.
-E
This implies a trusted connection, so you don’t have to type a name and password if you’re using a Windows account to log in to SQL Server.
-U UserName
If you don't use -E, this switch sets the user name for SQL Server authentication. Again, case counts here for the switch, not for the user name, unless your system is using a case-sensitive arrangement.
-P PassWord
This switch sets the password. If you use –U, you have to use –P as well.
filename
This is really cool – you can pass a filename to be opened when you start, such as a T-SQL script you want to edit or run. Note that there is no – here, just the path and name of the file.
-nosplash
Don’t like the splash screen that comes up when SSMS opens? Turn it off with this switch.
/?
This switch just shows the options.
