Thankfully, Microsoft has seen the error of their ways, and SQL Operations Studio uses the proper tab settings, and replaces a Tab keystroke with four spaces. The default option for tabs in SSMS 17 uses tabs instead of spaces. Everyone should change this setting to “Insert spaces” instead of “Keep tabs”.

By default, when you hit the Tab key, SSMS puts in a tab character. Tabs: The bad habit SSMS promotesīefore I justify my last statement, I’m going to take a minute to kvetch that SQL Server Management Studio gets it wrong with it’s default settings. Instead, the Tab key should enter 4 spaces (code point U+0020). What I am saying is that when you hit the Tab key on your keyboard, it should not use a horizontal tab ASCII character (code point U+0009). I’m not talking about whether you should hit the spacebar key or the tab key on your keyboard. Just to be clear, when I talk “tabs vs spaces,” I’m referring to the actual text that gets saved in your source code.

I used to be a Tabber, but with experience, I’ve gained the wisdom and have fully converted to be a Spacer. I’m going to draw a line in the sand and say that tabs, like Crocs and mullets, are bad style. Even if everyone at your organization observes the same style, are tabs vs spaces just a matter of style? Everyone at your organization must observe the same consistency. “As long as you’re consistent, it doesn’t matter.” Keep in mind that unlike your choice in footwear, coding style can’t be personal. The great tabs vs spaces debate is often framed as a matter of opinion or coding style. This post is for the “Door Number 2” option is to talk about his Bad Habits series–I’ve opted to bring up a topic Aaron hasn’t blogged about: tabs vs spaces. “Door Number 1” is a challenge to write about what you do in your free time, inspired by Drew Furgiuele’s #sqlibirum post.

This month for T-SQL Tuesday, Aaron offers two blogging options and I’ve chosen to do both. When I was a kid, Choose Your Own Adventure books were overwhelming because I wanted to explore every possible option–some things never change. The topic: Dealer’s Choice (Door Number 2: Bad Habits) This month’s episode is hosted by Aaron Bertrand ( blog | twitter). It’s T-SQL Tuesday, the blog party that SQL Server expert Adam Machanic ( blog|t witter) started.

Notepad++ tabs to spaces preferences