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Free universal database tool and SQL client
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A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Database management for VSCode
A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird, written in Delphi
Quick Overview
Microsoft's vscode-mssql is an extension for Visual Studio Code that provides support for developing and managing Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and SQL Data Warehouse. It offers a rich set of features including IntelliSense, syntax highlighting, connection management, query execution, and result visualization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Visual Studio Code
- Comprehensive SQL Server management capabilities
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Regular updates and active community support
Cons
- Limited advanced database administration features compared to full-fledged SQL management tools
- Occasional performance issues with large result sets
- Learning curve for users new to VS Code extensions
Getting Started
- Install Visual Studio Code
- Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X)
- Search for "mssql" and install the "SQL Server (mssql)" extension
- Restart VS Code after installation
- To connect to a database:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the command palette
- Type "sql" and select "MS SQL: Connect"
- Follow the prompts to enter your server details and credentials
- Create a new .sql file and start writing queries
- To execute a query:
- Highlight the query text
- Press Ctrl+Shift+E or right-click and select "Execute Query"
For more detailed instructions and advanced features, refer to the official documentation on the GitHub repository.
Competitor Comparisons
Free universal database tool and SQL client
Pros of DBeaver
- Supports a wide range of database systems, not limited to SQL Server
- Offers a standalone application with a rich set of features for database management
- Provides advanced visualization tools for data analysis and ERD creation
Cons of DBeaver
- Steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set
- May be resource-intensive for less powerful machines
- Not as tightly integrated with the VS Code ecosystem
Code Comparison
vscode-mssql:
SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE Country='Germany'
DBeaver:
SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE Country='Germany'
-- DBeaver supports syntax highlighting and auto-completion for multiple database systems
Additional Notes
vscode-mssql is specifically designed for SQL Server integration within VS Code, offering a lightweight and focused experience. It's ideal for developers who primarily work with SQL Server and prefer the VS Code environment.
DBeaver, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive database tool that caters to a broader range of database systems. It's better suited for database administrators or developers working with multiple database types who need a feature-rich, standalone application.
Both tools have their strengths, and the choice between them depends on the user's specific needs, workflow, and the range of databases they work with regularly.
Modern and easy to use SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
Pros of Beekeeper Studio
- Cross-platform support for multiple database types (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.)
- User-friendly interface with built-in features like query autocompletion and data export
- Open-source and actively maintained by the community
Cons of Beekeeper Studio
- Less integrated with Visual Studio Code ecosystem
- May have fewer advanced features for SQL Server specifically
- Potentially steeper learning curve for users already familiar with VS Code
Code Comparison
Beekeeper Studio (JavaScript):
import { Connection } from 'typeorm'
export async function runQuery(connection: Connection, query: string) {
const result = await connection.query(query)
return result
}
vscode-mssql (TypeScript):
import { ConnectionPool } from 'mssql'
export async function executeQuery(pool: ConnectionPool, query: string) {
const result = await pool.request().query(query)
return result.recordset
}
Both examples show basic query execution, but vscode-mssql is more focused on SQL Server specifics, while Beekeeper Studio's approach is more generic to support multiple database types.
A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Pros of sqlectron-gui
- Supports multiple database systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.)
- Standalone application, no need for additional IDE or editor
- User-friendly interface with visual query builder
Cons of sqlectron-gui
- Less integrated with development workflow compared to VS Code extension
- May have fewer advanced features for SQL Server specifically
- Potentially slower update cycle and community support
Code Comparison
sqlectron-gui (React component for query execution):
<Query
query={this.state.query}
onExecQueryClick={this.handleExecuteQuery}
onCancelQueryClick={this.handleCancelQuery}
onCopyToClipboardClick={this.handleCopyToClipboard}
onSaveToFileClick={this.handleSaveToFile}
/>
vscode-mssql (TypeScript function for query execution):
public async runQuery(connectionUri: string, selection: ISelectionData, title: string): Promise<void> {
await this._outputContentProvider.runQuery(this._statusView, connectionUri, selection, title);
this._vscodeWrapper.logToOutputChannel(Utils.formatString(Constants.msgRunQueryInProgress, title));
}
Both projects offer SQL query execution functionality, but vscode-mssql is more tightly integrated with VS Code's ecosystem, while sqlectron-gui provides a standalone solution with a focus on multi-database support and user-friendly interface.
Database management for VSCode
Pros of SQLTools
- Supports multiple database systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.)
- Offers a more user-friendly interface for managing connections
- Provides advanced features like query history and snippets
Cons of SQLTools
- May have a steeper learning curve for new users
- Less integrated with Azure and other Microsoft services
- Potentially slower performance for large datasets
Code Comparison
vscode-mssql:
SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE Country='Germany'
ORDER BY CompanyName;
SQLTools:
SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE Country = 'Germany'
ORDER BY CompanyName;
-- SQLTools supports syntax highlighting for multiple DB systems
Additional Notes
vscode-mssql is specifically designed for Microsoft SQL Server, offering deep integration with Azure and other Microsoft services. It provides excellent performance for large datasets and has a simpler interface for users familiar with SQL Server Management Studio.
SQLTools, on the other hand, is a more versatile extension that supports multiple database systems. It offers a rich set of features like query history, snippets, and a more intuitive connection management interface. However, it may not provide the same level of performance optimization for Microsoft SQL Server as vscode-mssql.
The choice between these extensions depends on the specific needs of the user, such as the database systems they work with and their familiarity with different SQL environments.
A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird, written in Delphi
Pros of HeidiSQL
- Standalone application with a user-friendly GUI, suitable for users who prefer a dedicated database management tool
- Supports multiple database systems (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server) in a single application
- Offers advanced features like data export/import, query builder, and server administration tools
Cons of HeidiSQL
- Limited integration with development environments compared to vscode-mssql
- May require separate installation and updates, unlike vscode-mssql which integrates directly into VS Code
- Less focused on specific MS SQL Server features compared to vscode-mssql
Code Comparison
HeidiSQL (SQL query execution):
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = :id
vscode-mssql (SQL query execution):
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = @id
Both tools support parameterized queries, but HeidiSQL uses :parameter
syntax, while vscode-mssql uses @parameter
syntax for MS SQL Server.
HeidiSQL offers a more comprehensive database management solution with support for multiple database systems, while vscode-mssql provides a tighter integration with VS Code and focuses specifically on MS SQL Server. The choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs, preferred development environment, and the database systems they work with.
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mssql for Visual Studio Code
Welcome to mssql for Visual Studio Code! An extension for developing Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database and SQL Data Warehouse everywhere with a rich set of functionalities, including:
- Connect to Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL Database and SQL Data Warehouses.
- Create and manage connection profiles and most recently used connections.
- Write T-SQL script with IntelliSense, Go to Definition, T-SQL snippets, syntax colorizations, T-SQL error validations and
GO
batch separator. - Execute your scripts and view results in a simple to use grid.
- Save the result to json or csv file format and view in the editor.
- Customizable extension options including command shortcuts and more.
See the mssql extension tutorial for the step by step guide.
See the SQL developer tutorial to develop an app with C#, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python and R with SQL Server databases.
Using
- First, install Visual Studio Code then install mssql extension by pressing F1 or ctrl+shift+p to open command palette, select Install Extension and type mssql.
- For macOS, you will need to install OpenSSL. Follow the install pre-requisite steps from DotNet Core instructions.
- Open an existing file with a .sql file extension or open a new text file (ctrl+n) and change the language mode to SQL by pressing ctrl+k,m and select SQL. mssql commands and functionalities are enabled in the SQL language mode in Visual Studio Code editor.
- Create a new connection profile using command palette by pressing F1, type sqlman to run MS SQL: Manage Connection Profile command. Select Create. See manage connection profiles for more information about how to create and edit connection profiles in your User Settings (settings.json) file.
- Connect to a database by pressing F1 and type sqlcon to run MS SQL: Connect command, then select a connection profile. You can also use a shortcut (ctrl+shift+c).
- Write T-SQL script in the editor using IntelliSense and Snippets. Type sql in the editor to list T-SQL Snippets.
- Execute T-SQL script or selection of statements in the script by pressing F1 and type sqlex to run MS SQL: Execute Query command. You can also use a shortcut (ctrl+shift+e). See customize shortcuts to learn about change shortcut key bindings to mssql commands.
- View the T-SQL script execution results and messages in result view.
Commands
The extension provides several commands in the Command Palette for working with .sql
files:
- MS SQL: Connect to SQL Server, Azure SQL Database or SQL Data Warehouse using connection profiles or recent connections.
- Create Connection Profile to create a new connection profile and connect.
- MS SQL: Disconnect from SQL Server, Azure SQL Database or SQL Data Warehouse in the editor session.
- MS SQL: Use Database to switch the database connection to another database within the same connected server in the editor session.
- MS SQL: Execute Query script, T-SQL statements or batches in the editor.
- MS SQL: Cancel Query execution in progress in the editor session.
- MS SQL: Manage Connection Profiles
- Create a new connection profile using command palette's step-by-step UI guide.
- Edit user settings file (settings.json) in the editor to manually create, edit or remove connection profiles.
- Remove an existing connection profile using command palette's step-by-step UI guide.
- Clear Recent Connection List to clear the history of recent connections.
Options
The following Visual Studio Code settings are available for the mssql extension. These can be set in user preferences (cmd+,) or workspace settings (.vscode/settings.json)
.
See customize options and manage connection profiles for more details.
{
"mssql.maxRecentConnections": 5,
"mssql.connections":[],
"mssql.shortcuts": {
"event.toggleResultPane": "ctrl+alt+r",
"event.toggleMessagePane": "ctrl+alt+y",
"event.prevGrid": "ctrl+up",
"event.nextGrid": "ctrl+down",
"event.copySelection": "ctrl+c",
"event.maximizeGrid": "",
"event.selectAll": "",
"event.saveAsJSON": "",
"event.saveAsCSV": "",
"event.saveAsExcel": ""
},
"mssql.messagesDefaultOpen": true,
"mssql.logDebugInfo": false,
"mssql.saveAsCsv.includeHeaders": true,
"mssql.saveAsCsv.delimiter": ",",
"mssql.saveAsCsv.lineSeparator": null,
"mssql.saveAsCsv.textIdentifier": "\"",
"mssql.saveAsCsv.encoding": "utf-8",
"mssql.intelliSense.enableIntelliSense": true,
"mssql.intelliSense.enableErrorChecking": true,
"mssql.intelliSense.enableSuggestions": true,
"mssql.intelliSense.enableQuickInfo": true,
"mssql.intelliSense.lowerCaseSuggestions": false,
"mssql.resultsFontFamily": "-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,Segoe WPC,Segoe UI,HelveticaNeue-Light,Ubuntu,Droid Sans,sans-serif",
"mssql.resultsFontSize": 13,
"mssql.copyIncludeHeaders": false,
"mssql.copyRemoveNewLine" : true,
"mssql.splitPaneSelection": "next",
"mssql.format.alignColumnDefinitionsInColumns": false,
"mssql.format.datatypeCasing": "none",
"mssql.format.keywordCasing": "none",
"mssql.format.placeCommasBeforeNextStatement": false,
"mssql.format.placeSelectStatementReferencesOnNewLine": false,
"mssql.applyLocalization": false,
"mssql.query.displayBitAsNumber": true,
"mssql.persistQueryResultTabs": false
}
Change Log
See the change log for a detailed list of changes in each version.
Supported Operating Systems
Currently this extension supports the following operating systems:
- Windows (x64 | x86 | arm64)
- macOS (x64 | arm64)
- Ubuntu 14.04 / Linux Mint 17 / Linux Mint 18 / Elementary OS 0.3
- Ubuntu 16.04 / Elementary OS 0.4
- Debian 8.2
- CentOS 7.1 / Oracle Linux 7
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
- Fedora 23
- OpenSUSE 13.2
- Linux arm64
Offline Installation
The extension will download and install a required SqlToolsService package during activation. For machines with no Internet access, you can still use the extension by choosing the
Install from VSIX...
option in the Extension view and installing a bundled release from our Releases page.
Each operating system has a .vsix file with the required service included. Pick the file for your OS, download and install to get started.
We recommend you choose a full release and ignore any alpha or beta releases as these are our daily builds used in testing.
Support
Support for this extension is provided on our GitHub Issue Tracker. You can submit a bug report, a feature suggestion or participate in [discussions].
Contributing to the Extension
See the developer documentation for details on how to contribute to this extension.
Code of Conduct
This project has adopted the Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct. For more information see the Code of Conduct FAQ or contact opencode@microsoft.com with any additional questions or comments.
Telemetry
This extension collects telemetry data, which is used to help understand how to improve the product. For example, this usage data helps to debug issues, such as slow start-up times, and to prioritize new features. While we appreciate the insights this data provides, we also know that not everyone wants to send usage data and you can disable telemetry as described in the VS Code disable telemetry reporting documentation.
Privacy Statement
The Microsoft Enterprise and Developer Privacy Statement describes the privacy statement of this software.
License
This extension is licensed under the MIT License. Please see the third-party notices file for additional copyright notices and license terms applicable to portions of the software.
Top Related Projects
Free universal database tool and SQL client
Modern and easy to use SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Database management for VSCode
A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird, written in Delphi
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Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot