Keeping Your SQL IntelliSense Up-to-Date in SSMS 2008 (and Beyond)

When to Refresh IntelliSense:

• You've created or modified database objects (tables, columns, views, functions, etc.) and want SSMS to recognize the changes.
• IntelliSense is not suggesting the expected keywords or objects.

There are two ways to refresh the IntelliSense cache:

1. Menu Option:

   • Go to the Edit menu in SSMS.
   • Select IntelliSense.
   • Click Refresh Local Cache.

2. Keyboard Shortcut:

Additional Notes:

• Disconnecting and reconnecting the SSMS query window to the database server can also refresh IntelliSense, but the above methods are more convenient.
• If you're using an older version of SSMS (prior to version 10.50), there might have been issues with the Ctrl + Shift + R shortcut. In that case, use the menu option.

Scenario:

1. You have a table named Customers in your database.
2. Initially, IntelliSense might not recognize the Customers table because its cache hasn't been updated yet.

Refreshing IntelliSense:

• You use one of the methods mentioned earlier (menu option or keyboard shortcut) to refresh the IntelliSense cache.

After Refresh:

• Now, when you start typing C in the query editor, IntelliSense will suggest the Customers table name because it has been updated with the latest information from your database.

• Disconnect the current SSMS query window from the database server.
• Right-click on the server name in the Object Explorer and select "Disconnect."
• Reconnect to the server by right-clicking again and choosing "Connect."

This method forces SSMS to retrieve fresh information about the database schema, which might update IntelliSense in some cases. However, it's less convenient than the built-in refresh methods.

Close and Reopen Query Window

• Close the current query window in SSMS.
• Open a new query window connected to the same database.

This approach, similar to disconnecting and reconnecting, can sometimes trigger an IntelliSense refresh, but it's not guaranteed and disrupts your workflow.

Third-Party Add-Ins (for advanced users):

• Some third-party add-ins for SSMS offer enhanced IntelliSense functionality with automatic refresh features. These add-ins might provide more robust and customizable IntelliSense behavior.

However, using third-party tools introduces additional software to manage and can have compatibility considerations. Carefully evaluate these add-ins before installation.