MSSQL extension for VS Code

Microsoft's free VS Code extension for querying and developing SQL Server, Azure SQL and Fabric SQL databases.

Visit MSSQL extension for VS Code See 4 alternatives

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About MSSQL extension for VS Code

The MSSQL extension turns Visual Studio Code into a SQL Server development tool and is Microsoft's recommended path for people leaving Azure Data Studio. It connects to SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL database in Microsoft Fabric, with an object explorer, a T-SQL editor with IntelliSense, query results grids with export, execution plans, schema design and comparison tools, SQL database projects, and GitHub Copilot integration for writing and explaining queries. Because it lives inside VS Code, it works on Windows, macOS and Linux and benefits from the editor's Git, terminal and extension ecosystem. The extension is free. It does not cover server administration as deeply as SSMS, which remains the tool for DBAs on Windows, and it targets Microsoft's SQL platforms only. It suits application developers who already work in VS Code and want their database work in the same place.

Best for: Developers in VS Code who work with SQL Server or Azure SQL on any OS.

What works

Free and cross-platform inside VS Code
Official Microsoft replacement for Azure Data Studio
Schema tools, projects and Copilot built in

Why people leave

Microsoft SQL platforms only
Less administration depth than SSMS
Requires VS Code

Top MSSQL extension for VS Code alternatives

See all 4

1
SQL Server Management Studio
The full SQL Server administration tool, if you are on Windows.
66.5
2
DBCode
Another VS Code database IDE that also covers Postgres, MySQL and 100+ other databases.
62.6
3
DataGrip
A standalone IDE with strong T-SQL support across platforms.
59.6
4
DBeaver
Free standalone client with SQL Server and many other databases.
57.2

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MSSQL extension for VS Code: common questions

Is MSSQL extension for VS Code free?

Yes, MSSQL extension for VS Code is free to use.

Is MSSQL extension for VS Code open source?

No, MSSQL extension for VS Code is not open source. Open-source alternatives include DBeaver.

What platforms does MSSQL extension for VS Code run on?

MSSQL extension for VS Code is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to MSSQL extension for VS Code?

The highest-ranked MSSQL extension for VS Code alternatives right now are SQL Server Management Studio, DBCode and DataGrip. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 MSSQL extension for VS Code alternatives

MSSQL extension for VS Code facts

4 of 4 verified

Supported platforms: Azure SQL, Fabric SQL and SQL Server; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “supports developers building applications that use Azure SQL”
Runs in: Visual Studio Code; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “The MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code”
Schema compare: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “Compare and synchronize schemas between databases or DACPACs”
Copilot: GitHub Copilot integration; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “GitHub Copilot integration GA AI-assisted SQL development”