The MSSQL Extension for VS Code continues to evolve, bringing powerful new features and enhancements that make SQL development more seamless and efficient. In this update, we’re excited to share the latest improvements in v1.29.0 and give you a sneak peek at what’s coming next in our open roadmap.
This extension is designed for developers working with Azure SQL (including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs), SQL Database in Fabric (Preview), or SQL Server as a backend. With a rich set of features for connecting to databases, managing schemas, executing queries, and visualizing query plans, the MSSQL Extension for VS Code provides a modern SQL development experience inside your favorite editor.
What’s new in MSSQL extension for VS Code v1.29.0?
The latest update (v1.29.0) brings several key enhancements focused on improving usability, fixing long-standing issues, and ensuring better compatibility with Azure SQL and SQL Server.
Here’s a detailed look at what’s new in this release:
- Fixed support for Always Encrypted – Secure Enclaves in the Connection Dialog.
- Improved usability by removing SQL editor actions from the Git diff editor.
- Enhanced Query Result pane by fixing issues related to copying data while sorting and filtering.
- Resolved column filter issues in multiple result set scenarios.
- Improved accessibility in Query Plan Visualizer.
- Fixed indefinite hangs when connecting to paused Azure SQL Database Serverless databases.
- Fixed HTTPS-over-HTTP proxy handling issues.
Enabling the New UI Features
We’ve seen some confusion from developers about accessing the latest UI improvements. To make sure you’re using all the newest features, you need to enable the new UI settings in VS Code.
When you update to v1.29.0, a prompt will appear guiding you through the setup. If you missed it, you can enable the new UI manually in your VS Code settings.
Looking ahead: Open roadmap
The MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code is evolving rapidly, with a strong focus on developer productivity, seamless local-to-cloud transitions, and intuitive database schema management. Our roadmap reflects the top priorities we’re working on based on community feedback, GitHub discussions, and real-world use cases.
Our vision
We aim to deliver a modern, developer-first SQL experience by focusing on three key areas:
- Developer productivity – Streamlining workflows, improving UI/UX, and reducing friction in database interactions.
- Seamless development from local to cloud – Enabling developers to start locally in VS Code using local database containers or Dev Containers while ensuring a smooth transition to cloud environments with CI/CD support and cloud-native deployments.
- Schema Management & API-Driven Development – Expanding schema design capabilities and enabling modern API-driven workflows to make database access seamless for application developers.
What is next in 2025?
We have exciting updates lined up to enhance the MSSQL extension and make SQL development even more seamless:
- General Availability of UI Enhancements – Bringing Connection Dialog, Object Explorer, Query Results, and Table Designer to full stability and refinement.
- Local-to-Cloud Deployments – Easily transition from local development to the cloud with Local Database Containers, Dev Containers, and Cloud Database Deployment.
- Expanded Import/Export Capabilities – Support for Flat File Import and DACPAC Import/Export.
- Complete Schema Management – A more intuitive experience with Schema Designer and Schema Compare.
- Developer Tools – Data API Builder integration for seamless API generation.
How you can help us shape the future
The MSSQL Extension for VS Code is built with developer feedback at its core. While we strive to bring the best SQL development experience, not every feature request is feasible due to technical limitations and other constraints.
But your input helps us prioritize! If there’s something you’d love to see in a future update, here’s how you can contribute:
- 💬 GitHub discussions – Share your ideas and suggestions to improve the extension.
- ✨ New feature requests – Request missing capabilities and help shape future updates.
- 🐞 Report bugs – Help us track down and fix issues to make the extension more reliable.
Conclusion
The latest updates in v1.29.0 bring important improvements, but we’re just getting started. With major enhancements on the way, we’re committed to making SQL development more productive, seamless, and intuitive inside VS Code.
As we continue to evolve the extension, we encourage feedback and collaboration to help us refine and improve the experience. Thank you for being part of this journey! 🚀
I know security, performance and accessibility features are important but there is one feature that azure data studio has that is missing in this. I tried but unable to use this extension and vs code to replace the retiring azure data studio. There is no way to browse my Azure SQL databases and connect to it with one click (aside from authentication of course). I believe this capability may need to be added to the azure extension itself but currently it lists cosmos databases but not SQL databases. Either way, I will stick to azure data studio until this feature...