Understanding Saving Changes After Table Edits in SQL Server Management Studio

Here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Allowing NULL Values:

ALTER TABLE MyTable ALTER COLUMN MyDate DATETIME NULL;

This code modifies the "MyDate" column in the "MyTable" to allow null values.

1. Changing Data Type:

ALTER TABLE MyTable ALTER COLUMN MyNumber INT;

This code changes the data type of the "MyNumber" column in the "MyTable" to integer (INT).

1. Use ALTER TABLE Statements:

• Instead of relying on the graphical interface, you can write and execute Transact-SQL (T-SQL) statements directly in the SSMS query window. These statements (like the examples in the previous response) allow precise control over table structure modifications.

1. Script Changes:

• SSMS offers an option to script your changes. After editing the table in the designer, right-click anywhere on the table and select "Script Table as ALTER." This generates the corresponding T-SQL statements you can review, modify if needed, and then execute in the query window. This provides a safer approach compared to directly editing the table as you can see the exact commands being run.

1. Schema Changes Wizard:

• For more complex modifications involving multiple tables or relationships, consider the Schema Changes Wizard. This wizard helps you define the desired changes through a series of steps and generates the necessary T-SQL scripts.