Use SSMS for full administrative control; use ADS for daily development/querying on macOS/Linux; use both for a modern workflow.
Historically, SSMS was installed as part of the SQL Server installation media. However, starting with SQL Server 2016, Microsoft decoupled SSMS from the database engine release cycle. sql server management studio ssms
To understand why a query is slow, SSMS can generate a Graphical Execution Plan. This visual map shows how the SQL Server query optimizer executed the script. It highlights "expensive" operations, such as table scans, and often suggests missing indexes that could speed up the query. SQL Server Profiler Use SSMS for full administrative control; use ADS
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a free integrated environment for managing and developing Microsoft SQL Server databases. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for database administrators, developers, and data architects to design, implement, and manage SQL Server databases. To understand why a query is slow, SSMS
Registered Servers: If you manage dozens of instances, use the Registered Servers window to organize them into groups and even run queries against multiple servers simultaneously.