As a technical blogger, one of the most important tasks is to keep databases up to date. Handling the database requires an extra set of functionalities that streamline the process. While dealing with database refactoring tasks, it becomes difficult to keep everything in order and errors are bound to occur. ApexSQL Refactor is a powerful tool that simplifies and speeds up database refactoring tasks.
Video Tutorial:
What Is ApexSQL Refactor?
ApexSQL Refactor is a tool that helps database professionals and developers better manage and maintain SQL databases. It is a lightweight tool that simplifies the process of database refactoring or restructuring SQL databases without changing the logic of the current codebase. When you want to refactor a database, ApexSQL Refactor helps automate tasks such as renaming columns, formatting scripts to conform with existing standards, and other repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Price
There are different variants of ApexSQL Refactor:
- The Professional version is priced at $599 per user.
- The Enterprise version is priced at $999 per user.
- The Ultimate version is priced at $1,999 per user.
For those who would like to test ApexSQL Refactor before making any purchase, there is a 14-day free trial.
Basics
ApexSQL Refactor is compatible with different versions of Microsoft SQL Server and operates on Visual Studio. It supports SQL Server Management Studio, Visual Studio, and Visual Studio Code. Additionally, it works with different SQL dialects such as T-SQL, PLSQL, MYSQL and more.
The tool allows one to standardize the SQL code used in their databases, eases the process of refactoring, and saves time. The editor provides easy to use options that make editing routines, procedures, and other database aspects a breeze.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use UI, which makes it accessible for both experienced and new database developers.
- Standardizes SQL code used in databases.
- Provides code analysis and refactoring suggestions.
- Finds/Replaces utility.
- Includes over 200+ formatting options that support various SQL dialects
Cons:
- ApexSQL Refactor does not support other database management systems apart from Microsoft SQL Server
- There are no significant cons reported about the tool.
Our Thoughts on ApexSQL Refactor
ApexSQL Refactor is an excellent tool that helps simplify the process of database refactoring. It provides an easy-to-use interface, which makes it accessible for both experienced and new database developers. The tool offers a vast number of functionalities that streamline the process of handling SQL databases.
Routines and procedures become much easier to manage with ApexSQL Refactor. The tool provides refactoring suggestions that make it easy to fix up your code. The ease of use not only saves time for developers but also increases productivity and refactoring accuracy. Additionally, the tool finds and replaces utility that eases the motion of code editing.
What ApexSQL Refactor Identifies?
The tool identifies different types of errors such as syntax errors and intellisense errors. It ensures that developers write their code correctly and standardizes SQL code. One can identify errors from refactoring suggestions, saving developers time. ApexSQL Refactor helps a developer produce code that conforms to industry standards and best practices.
How to Use ApexSQL Refactor?
Steps:
1. Download ApexSQL Refactor from the official ApexSQL website and go through the installation process.
2. After installation, launch the tool and navigate the Main menu to access your projects.
3. Select the object or code part that requires refactoring. This could be tables, stored procedures, views, or functions.
4. Apply the refactoring function you would like to use. This is achieved by selecting the refactor button or right-clicking on the object you want to refactor.
5. Upload files to the ApexSQL Refactor find and replace tool.
6. Select the find and replace tab.
7. Enter the file path for the file you would like to modify and define the parameters of the find and replace strings.
8. Review the changes in Preview mode before committing them.
Alternatives to ApexSQL Refactor
ApexSQL Refactor is an excellent tool; however, developers may want an alternative tool in case ApexSQL Refactor does not meet their requirements. Here are some alternative tools to consider.
1. Redgate SQL Prompt
Redgate SQL Prompt offers a vast array of features such as intellisense, code formatting, object renaming, suggestion rewriting, and more. It offers a free trial for 14 days. Additionally, Redgate SQL Prompt provides static code analysis with violation alerts to help catch and fix potential errors.
2. SQL Prompt Core
SQL Prompt Core is an alternative to Redgate SQL Prompt. It offers functionalities such as intellisense, coding standards, identifier renaming, and formatting. SQL Prompt Core is integrated with Visual Studio and VS Code.
3. Toad for SQL Server
Toad for SQL Server offers a comprehensive set of features for managing SQL databases. It has functionalities such as code debugging, backup and recovery, advanced data comparison, and much more. It offers a free trial for 30 days.
5 FAQs About ApexSQL Refactor
Q1: Is ApexSQL Refactor free?
A: ApexSQL Refactor offers a 14-day free trial. After the free trial, a user has to pay a fee for the license.
Q2: Can I use ApexSQL Refactor on a Mac?
A: ApexSQL Refactor is only compatible with Windows OS.
Q3: What is the difference between ApexSQL Refactor’s versions and pricing?
A: The different packages of ApexSQL Refactor offer different features for database refactoring tasks. The price varies depending on the package you prefer.
Q4: Does ApexSQL Refactor offer code refactoring suggestions?
A: Yes, ApexSQL Refactor provides automatic analysis and offers refactoring suggestions to assist in producing clean and accurate code.
Q5: Is ApexSQL Refactor easy to use?
A: Yes, ApexSQL Refactor is easy to use, even for those who are new to the software development field. The interface is intuitive and accessible for developers of all levels of experience.
In Conclusion
ApexSQL Refactor is an excellent tool that streamlines the process of database refactoring. It offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to understand and navigate. ApexSQL Refactor simplifies the process of code refactoring and saves developers time. Though it is not compatible with Mac, it supports different SQL dialects such as T-SQL and PL/SQL. ApexSQL Refactor provides other functionalities such as find/replace, code reviewing, and code analysis that make it a top tool for database refactoring.