SQL Server Data Tools 17.0 Release Candidate 2 (RC 2) has been released, and you can now easily download and install it from the link provided in the
official blog.
Microsoft states,
“If you’re evaluating new enhancements in Analysis Services Tabular 1400 models, be sure to download this latest version because it includes several important fixes; particularly with the modern Get Data experience.”
Among all the addition, the most remarkable one is the addition of a menu bar to the Query Editor. The main purpose of this particular menu is to provide quick and easy access to the same functions which has been provided by Microsoft Excel as well as by Power BI Desktop through the Query Edition ribbon.
Image Source: blogs.msdn.microsoft.com
Microsoft feels that the ideal solution would be a ribbon in SSDT Tabular that mirrors the ribbon in Power BI Desktop. This way, you would be able to switch back and forth between Power BI Desktop and SSDT Tabular, without any friction.
The company states,
“Unfortunately, however, the Visual Studio shell does not provide a ribbon infrastructure, requiring us to take a different approach.”
Microsoft informs that the Query Editor Menu bar isn’t a ribbon, however it can still go on to be quite a useful user interface element. In fact, you will now be able to work with the commands which go on to act like a query (check the Query menu once to get an idea). You will now also be able to add as well as remove the columns.
In addition to this, you will now be able to work with keyboard shortcuts. For example, if you want to keep the top 10 rows in a table. For this all you need to do is press Alt+R, after this press K and enter 10 in the Keep Top Rows dialog box, and then finally press Enter.
You will also be able to remove selected column, all you need to do is Press Alt+C and then R, and the work is complete.
Image Source: blogs.msdn.microsoft.com
In order to display the Advanced Editor, all you need to do is press "Alt+ V, E" and then press the "Alt" key, so as to discover all the available shortcut combinations.
Microsoft concluded by stating,
“Next on our list is to implement support for shared queries, functions, and parameters, and then to enable as many data sources as possible for close parity with Power BI Desktop. So, stay tuned for the forthcoming releases in subsequent months and keep sending us your suggestions and report any issues to SSASPrev here at Microsoft.com. Or, use any other available communication channels such as UserVoice or MSDN forums. You can influence the evolution of the Analysis Services connectivity stack to the benefit of all our customers.”