SSRS Installation for Visual Studio 2017

SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is a powerful platform that allows for the creation, publishing, and sharing of interactive and customizable reports from a variety of data sources. Here are the steps to install SSRS for Visual Studio 2017:

Step 1: Install SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)

SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is essential for developing databases and other solutions using SSRS. Follow these steps to install:

1. Visit the official Microsoft website for SQL Server Data Tools.
2. Scroll down to the download link section and select your version of Visual Studio.
3. Click Download to begin the process.
4. Open the downloaded file and run the setup wizard.
5. Select the SSDT checkbox on the Select features page, then click Install and wait for completion.

Step 2: Install SQL Server Reporting Services

After installing SSDT, you need to install SQL Server Reporting Services:

1. Visit the official Microsoft website for SQL Server Reporting Services.
2. Click Download under the Reporting Services section.
3. Select the version that corresponds to your operating system and click Download.
4. Open the downloaded file and run the setup wizard.
5. Select Reporting Services on the Feature Selection page, then click Install and wait for completion.

Step 3: Install SQL Server Reporting Services Extension in Visual Studio 2017

To fully integrate SSRS into Visual Studio 2017, you need to install the SQL Server Reporting Services extension:

1. Open Visual Studio 2017.
2. Click on Tools, then Extensions and Updates.
3. Select Online on the left side, then search for “SQL Server Reporting Services”.
4. Click Install and follow the prompts to install the extension.
5. Restart Visual Studio 2017.

Step 4: Create a New SSRS Report Project

To create a new SSRS report project, follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio 2017.
2. Click on File, then New Project.
3. Select Reporting Services, then Report Server Project Wizard.
4. Name your project and click OK.
5. In the Wizard, choose the report type (Tabular or Matrix) and data source.
6. Select the data you want to include in your report, then drag and drop the data fields onto the design canvas.
7. Customize the report layout and format, then save the report.

Step 5: Deploy the SSRS Report

After creating your report, deploy it to the report server:

1. Right-click on the project name in Solution Explorer.
2. Select Deploy.
3. Wait for the report to be deployed to the report server.
4. Test the report by running it from the report server.

Conclusion

With SSRS installed in Visual Studio 2017, creating, publishing, and sharing powerful reports has never been easier. Follow these steps to get started and gain insights that will help inform and drive your business decisions.