Red Gate's SQL Toolbelt or Quest's Toad for SQL Server?

Question

We are evaluating trial versions of Red Gate’s SQL Toolbelt and Quest Software’s Toad for SQL Server. What are the main differences between these tools? The benefits of using these tools are quite obvious but we are wondering which one is more suitable for a developer and development work? Is Toad for SQL Server more focused on DBA work?

Answer 1

Toad for SQL Sever basically is an alternative to SQL Server Management Studio - it gives you insights into your server, databases, database object etc. and you can execute queries and explore your data. But that's about it.

Red-Gate's Toolbelt is a totally different set of tools - a toolbelt, as the name implies:

• compare databases for structural or data-related differences
• determine dependencies between database objects
• greatly superior intellisense for SSMS and Visual Studio
• package database changes into an update package (EXE or .NET assembly)
• and a lot more

I don't think TOAD offers any of those capabilities, so you're really comparing apples to carrot or something here.

I can totally recommend Red Gate tools - I'm using SQL Prompt, SQL Search, SQL Compare, SQL Data Compare and SQL Packager regularly, and they just do their job in a great way. Highly recommended!