The Future of Azure Data Studio: What’s Next for SQL Development?

Jay Krishna Reddy
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For those of us working with SQL Server and other data platforms, Azure Data Studio (ADS) has been a go-to tool. But Microsoft’s decided to streamline things, and that means ADS is being retired. The good news is that Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is taking its place, bringing with it some serious upgrades like better performance, a ton of extensions, and a more unified way to develop.

Key Benefits of Migrating to Visual Studio Code

1. Unified Development Experience

Think of VS Code as your all-in-one development hub. It works with many programming languages, has database tools ready to go, and you can customize it with extensions. Switching from ADS to VS Code means you can code your app and work on your database at the same time, in the same window. No more switching back and forth!

2. Better Performance and Stability

Let’s be honest, nobody likes a slow program. VS Code is fast and efficient, so it won’t slow you down. ADS can sometimes be a bit of a memory hog, but VS Code is much more lightweight and stable, which is important when you’re working with databases.

3. Extensive Extension Marketplace

VS Code has a vast array of extensions — far more than ADS ever had. And some of them are perfect for database work. The SQL Server extension is especially good; it does pretty much everything ADS did, so you won’t miss a thing.

4. Active Development and Long-Term Support

Since Microsoft is all-in on VS Code, we can expect regular updates and improvements. This is great news for database professionals because it means we’ll always have the latest tools and security patches. No more worrying about using an old version of something — VS Code will keep us current.

5. Improved Git Integration

VS Code has some really great Git and version control features built right in. This makes it super easy to manage your database scripts, work together with your team, and keep track of all the changes — all without leaving the same environment where you write your code.

6. Customization and Theming

Everyone has their own way of working. VS Code gets that, and it lets you customize almost everything. You can change the keyboard shortcuts, pick a different theme, and really make it your own. That’s a big plus for SQL developers and data engineers.

Migration Plan: Moving from Azure Data Studio to VS Code

Migrating from Azure Data Studio to VS Code is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth transition:

Step 1. Install Visual Studio Code

Download and install the latest version of VS Code from the official Visual Studio Code website.

Step 2. Install SQL Server Extension

Open VS Code.
Navigate to the Extensions Marketplace (Ctrl + Shift + X).
Search for SQL Server (mssql) and install the extension.
Restart VS Code if necessary.

Step 3. Transfer Settings and Connections

Export Connection Profiles: If you have saved connections in ADS, manually recreate them in VS Code.
Migrate Settings: Copy over relevant settings from ADS to VS Code, such as themes and key bindings.

Step 4. Verify and Test

Open VS Code and connect to your database.
Run basic queries to ensure functionality matches what you had in ADS.
Customize VS Code’s layout to resemble your ADS workflow.

What’s Happening to Azure Data Studio?

If you’re an Azure Data Studio (ADS) user, you should know that Microsoft has shifted its focus to VS Code. While ADS will still get some support for a bit longer with security updates and bug fixes, no new features are planned. This is a good opportunity to transition to VS Code, which offers a more robust and future-proof solution for database development. Making the move now will ensure you have access to the latest features and ongoing support.

Conclusion

While we appreciate what Azure Data Studio offered, Visual Studio Code is simply a better tool. The performance is noticeably improved, the extension library is massive, and you can count on solid support. Making the move is straightforward — just follow the migration steps we’ve outlined. Trust me, embracing VS Code is the best way to future-proof your database development and enjoy a superior experience.

Keep learning….! 😊