For decades, SQL Server has been a cornerstone of data management, evolving to meet the needs of modern developers. What began as a traditional relational engine is now a cloud-enabled, AI-integrated platform designed for building real-world applications. SQL Server continues to meet developers where they are—offering tools, services, and capabilities that simplify complexity and support innovation across the stack.
SQL Conf() 2025, held February 26, was a developer marathon built specifically for application developers. While DBAs and data engineers often lead the conversation, this event flipped the focus, delivering SQL-oriented content tailored for devs building with data every day. It covered real patterns, practical demos, and emerging tech you can use right now. To dive deeper, explore the Applied Skill at https://aka.ms/sql/dev/path—a hands-on credential earned by doing the work, not passing an exam. And if you missed the event, sessions are now available free and on-demand at https://aka.ms/sql/conf/2025.
Sessions now on demand:
Harness the power of SQL & JSON
Learn how to store, index, and query JSON documents directly in SQL using built-in functions. This session highlights the practical overlap between structured and semi-structured data.
Author: Umachandar Jayachandran (T-SQL, JSON)
Unlocking Database Conversations: Semantic Kernel and Data API Builder in Action
This session shows how to expose your database via GraphQL and use intelligent agents to turn natural language into meaningful data access.
Author: Tommaso Stocchi (AI, GraphQL, Semantic Kernel, Data API Builder)
SQL+PowerShell FTW
A fast-paced walkthrough of how SQL and PowerShell can work together to automate and simplify database tasks.
Author: James Brundage (SQL, PowerShell)
Develop AI & Translytical Apps with SQL Database in Fabric
Explore the new SQL experience inside Microsoft Fabric, built for modern workloads with CI/CD pipelines, GitHub integration, and Copilot.
Author: Idris Motiwala (Copilot, Fabric, AI, CI/CD)
A Developer’s Guide to Using Copilot in SSMS
See how Copilot inside SQL Server Management Studio helps developers write better T-SQL faster, all from inside the tool they already use.
Author: Erin Stellato (Copilot, T-SQL)
GraphQL Meets SQL: Modern Data Access for SQL Developers in Microsoft Fabric
Learn how GraphQL APIs can empower and provide flexibility to integrate modern applications with SQL databases to enhance data access and management within Microsoft Fabric.
Author: Ed Lima (Fabric, AI, GraphQL)
SQL Projects for Everyone in VS Code
Get to know SQL projects in a developer-friendly format, designed for source control, CI/CD integration, and modern development tooling using VS Code.
Author: Drew Skwiers-Koballa (T-SQL, CI/CD)
Vectors, AI, Agents: how AI will change the way users interact with databases
Explore how intelligent agents powered by vectors and embeddings can dynamically generate SQL queries, transforming how developers and users interact with data.
Author: Davide Mauri (Azure SQL, AI, T-SQL)
Deploy Data API builder in Azure Container Apps
Step through the process of containerizing a Data API Builder app and deploying it into Azure, including DevOps automation and code samples.
Author: Chris Wiederspan (Data API Builder, DevOps, ACA)
SQL Development with VS Code
Explore new enhancements in the MSSQL extension for VS Code, including visual tools, object explorers, and query plan visualizers.
Author: Carlos Robles (VS Code, SQL)
GraphRAG Meets Azure SQL Database
Learn how to build a GraphRAG solution using Azure SQL, vector support, and OpenAI, enabling smarter retrieval-augmented generation over your relational data.
Author: Brian Spendolini (Azure SQL, GraphRAG, AI)
Top 10 Things Developers Should Know About Azure SQL Hyperscale
Discover what makes Hyperscale the most cloud-native SQL option, including autoscaling, replica support, and powerful architecture built for modern apps.
Author: Arvind Shyamsundar (Hyperscale, Azure SQL)
SQL-first Development with .NET Aspire
See how .NET Aspire makes spinning up a SQL-first development stack as simple as cloning a repo and pressing run—with integrated tools, demos, and patterns.
Author: Aaron Powell (.NET Aspire, SQL)
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