SSMS Copilot Alternative: Full Comparison With dbForge AI Assistant

Conversion of natural language to SQL

Our second example features further query generation in the context of our current database. Let's ask both tools to create a query that finds the names and email addresses of all active employees in the current database.

As we can see, dbForge AI Assistant delves deeper into the analysis of our input and once more proves superior with its suggestions. A single FullName field is the optimal decision. The aliases are used clearly and unambiguously. The entire explanation is well-structured, perfectly logical, and understandable for all users, regardless of their skill levels.

SQL troubleshooting

Let's proceed to asking both tools to fix the following SELECT query.

SELECT FirstName, LastName 
FROM Person.Person 
WHERE BusinessEntityID = 5 ORDER BY;

In this case, dbForge AI Assistant gains the upper hand as well. It gives two valid fixes instead of one and provides us with a more detailed explanation of what is actually wrong with our query.

SSMS Copilot also fixes the issue correctly, yet explains the output too briefly and offers no other options to choose from. In other words, the Copilot is suitable for quick fixes, whereas the Assistant wants you to understand the cause of the issue so as not to repeat it again.

SQL explanations

Now, let's see how both tools handle pure explanations of SQL code. Here is the query that we've written for this case.

SELECT firstName, lastName
FROM person.person
WHERE personType = 'EM';

If we compare the answers, we'll see that dbForge AI Assistant gives a clearer and better-structured breakdown of our query. It says that the first person refers to the schema and the second one refers to a table in that schema. Moreover, it clearly explains each part of the query in simple words, which is great for beginners who are just learning SQL.

As for SSMS Copilot, the breakdown is precise, yet more formal and not as focused on helping you learn and understand the basics.

Query optimization

Finally, let's scrutinize a case where we ask both tools to optimize the same SQL query.

SELECT Name, ListPrice 
FROM Production.Product 
WHERE ListPrice > 1000 
ORDER BY ListPrice DESC;

From what we've seen so far, dbForge AI Assistant is excellent at explaining things. This case is no exception. The optimization is explained in a more meaningful and consistent manner, with a focus on key aspects, such as indexes on ListPrice, statistics maintenance, and execution plan analysis. The Assistant also avoids using the OPTION (RECOMPILE) clause, which is definitely less relevant for this case - yet suggested by the Copilot.