>>>>In VFP, using the DB container, you can specify field captions. For example, field last_name could have a caption "Customer Last Name." So when you browse the table in VFP IDE, the heading of the column says "Customer Last Name"
>>>>
>>>>Is there a way to have the same in SQL Server? So that when you Browse/Select from the table in SSMS the column names are the captions?
>>>
>>>I always use the database itself for that, thus the data dictionary. As we maintain SQL Sever remotely, this also serves for that purpose. So, by using that approach, you can also extend as much as required. You can add 100 fields if you would like to control everything in regards to a specific field. I use that approach since the early days, when data dictionary were enforced, indirectly, from the VFP world. The good thing about this is the migration of your database from one backend to another. Thus, you preserve everything inside table themselves.
>>
>>Thank you.
>
>Fully support Michels hint to use data dictionary as bedrock of any DB application - which is part of my beef with any paradigma argueing for code instead of DB first.
>
>If you are NOT using xCase or something similar in your tool chain whenever more than a dozen tables are involved you are doing the equivalent of entering a Biathlon barefoot with a blowgun ;-))
>
>Hank has integrated xCase into most of his development efforts and has written a couple of posts on the benefits of hoisting defaults, validations and similar things from backend to biz and GUI layers transparently in vfp (and Liania, where the same arguments and often almost same code apply). Perhaps ask him nicely for a compiled list of his old posts if you do not use a DD and such elevations already.

Thomas, thank you for your suggestion. I am sure I am not using many tools that would make the application (and my work) more stable, better maintainable, etc. But I am not sure if I have time or mental capacity to take on these tasks, at this point. I feel like I am drowning and you are suggesting that learning to navigate a 100 foot boat would make my future so much more brighter :)