{"id":4452,"date":"2025-03-27T12:42:28","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T19:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/?p=4452"},"modified":"2026-02-23T11:37:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T19:37:12","slug":"sql-conf-2025-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/sql-conf-2025-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"SQL Conf() 2025 Highlights: So Much Developer Innovation!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014offering tools, services, and capabilities that simplify complexity and support innovation across the stack.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4458 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Develop Data Driven Applications\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/03\/COURSE.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>SQL Conf() 2025<\/strong>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/sql\/dev\/path\">https:\/\/aka.ms\/sql\/dev\/path<\/a>\u2014a 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/sql\/conf\/2025\">https:\/\/aka.ms\/sql\/conf\/2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Sessions now on demand:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Harness the power of SQL &amp; JSON<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Harness the power of SQL &amp; JSON\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aX6aKurECnY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Umachandar Jayachandran (T-SQL, JSON)<\/p>\n<h3>Unlocking Database Conversations: Semantic Kernel and Data API Builder in Action<\/h3>\n<p>This session shows how to expose your database via GraphQL and use intelligent agents to turn natural language into meaningful data access.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Unlocking Database Conversations: Semantic Kernel and Data API Builder in Action\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UTl4JVE4sLE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Tommaso Stocchi (AI, GraphQL, Semantic Kernel, Data API Builder)<\/p>\n<h3>SQL+PowerShell FTW<\/h3>\n<p>A fast-paced walkthrough of how SQL and PowerShell can work together to automate and simplify database tasks.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"SQL+PowerShell FTW\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Xu9WD8tpoCY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: James Brundage (SQL, PowerShell)<\/p>\n<h3>Develop AI &amp; Translytical Apps with SQL Database in Fabric<\/h3>\n<p>Explore the new SQL experience inside Microsoft Fabric, built for modern workloads with CI\/CD pipelines, GitHub integration, and Copilot.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Develop AI &amp; Translytical Apps with SQL Database in Fabric\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0_eiDbI3efc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Idris Motiwala (Copilot, Fabric, AI, CI\/CD)<\/p>\n<h3>A Developer&#8217;s Guide to Using Copilot in SSMS<\/h3>\n<p>See how Copilot inside SQL Server Management Studio helps developers write better T-SQL faster, all from inside the tool they already use.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"A Developer&#039;s Guide to Using Copilot in SSMS\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NCjLH5KiSOA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Erin Stellato (Copilot, T-SQL)<\/p>\n<h3>GraphQL Meets SQL: Modern Data Access for SQL Developers in Microsoft Fabric<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"GraphQL Meets SQL: Modern Data Access for SQL Developers in Microsoft Fabric\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ow6gH_8BD14?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Ed Lima (Fabric, AI, GraphQL)<\/p>\n<h3>SQL Projects for Everyone in VS Code<\/h3>\n<p>Get to know SQL projects in a developer-friendly format, designed for source control, CI\/CD integration, and modern development tooling using VS Code.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"SQL Projects for Everyone in VS Code\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uXpf2ounaOw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Drew Skwiers-Koballa (T-SQL, CI\/CD)<\/p>\n<h3>Vectors, AI, Agents: how AI will change the way users interact with databases<\/h3>\n<p>Explore how intelligent agents powered by vectors and embeddings can dynamically generate SQL queries, transforming how developers and users interact with data.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Vectors, AI, Agents: how AI will change the way users interact with databases\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Uddhx8Bu2ZM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Davide Mauri (Azure SQL, AI, T-SQL)<\/p>\n<h3>Deploy Data API builder in Azure Container Apps<\/h3>\n<p>Step through the process of containerizing a Data API Builder app and deploying it into Azure, including DevOps automation and code samples.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Deploy Data API builder in Azure Container Apps\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RfyBT6maQd0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Chris Wiederspan (Data API Builder, DevOps, ACA)<\/p>\n<h3>SQL Development with VS Code<\/h3>\n<p>Explore new enhancements in the MSSQL extension for VS Code, including visual tools, object explorers, and query plan visualizers.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"SQL Development with VS Code\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IB1kHOc6IV4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Carlos Robles (VS Code, SQL)<\/p>\n<h3>GraphRAG Meets Azure SQL Database<\/h3>\n<p>Learn how to build a GraphRAG solution using Azure SQL, vector support, and OpenAI, enabling smarter retrieval-augmented generation over your relational data.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Unlocking Data Synergy: GraphRAG Meets Azure SQL Database\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lACiTWX6ws4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Brian Spendolini (Azure SQL, GraphRAG, AI)<\/p>\n<h3>Top 10 Things Developers Should Know About Azure SQL Hyperscale<\/h3>\n<p>Discover what makes Hyperscale the most cloud-native SQL option, including autoscaling, replica support, and powerful architecture built for modern apps.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Top 10 things developers should know about Azure SQL Hyperscale\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MjJs25428l8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Arvind Shyamsundar (Hyperscale, Azure SQL)<\/p>\n<h3>SQL-first Development with .NET Aspire<\/h3>\n<p>See how .NET Aspire makes spinning up a SQL-first development stack as simple as cloning a repo and pressing run\u2014with integrated tools, demos, and patterns.<\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"SQL-first development with .NET Aspire\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HqSW-NK5loA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Author: Aaron Powell (.NET Aspire, SQL)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2014offering tools, services, and capabilities that simplify complexity and support [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96788,"featured_media":4453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[444,601,1,597,92,594,570,582,576,619,615,533,625],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-net","category-ai","category-azure-sql","category-data-api-builder-2","category-devops","category-hyperscale","category-microsoft-fabric","category-openai","category-rest","category-t-sql","category-vectors","category-visual-studio-code","category-vs-code"],"acf":[],"blog_post_summary":"<p>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\u2014offering tools, services, and capabilities that simplify complexity and support [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4452","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/96788"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4452"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4452\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6616,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4452\/revisions\/6616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}