{"id":5007,"date":"2025-06-18T10:37:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T17:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/?p=5007"},"modified":"2025-07-18T13:00:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T20:00:28","slug":"vscode-mssql-containers-agent-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/vscode-mssql-containers-agent-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"MSSQL Extension for VS Code: Local Containers, GitHub Copilot Agent Mode and Connection Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>MSSQL Extension for VS Code<\/strong><\/a> continues to evolve, bringing powerful new features that make SQL development more local, more organized, and more intelligent. In version v1.33.0, we\u2019re introducing <strong>Local SQL Server container<\/strong>, <strong>GitHub Copilot Agent Mode<\/strong>, and <strong>Connection Groups<\/strong>\u2014three capabilities designed to simplify and modernize the way developers build applications using SQL Server in Visual Studio Code.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Here\u2019s a closer look at what\u2019s included in this release and how these features can enhance your SQL development workflow.<\/p>\n<h2><b>What\u2019s new in MSSQL extension for VS Code v1.33<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\">This release introduces three major capabilities designed to streamline the SQL development experience:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Local SQL Server Container (Public Preview)<\/b><\/span> \u2014 Easily spin up and manage SQL Server containers directly from within the extension.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>GitHub Copilot Agent Mode (Public Preview)<\/b><\/span> \u2014 A conversational, schema-aware assistant that helps you connect, explore, understand, and optimize your database through natural language interactions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connection Groups<\/strong> \u2014 Organize your saved connections into folders with custom colors for improved clarity and control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Local SQL Server Container (Public Preview)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\">You can now create and manage SQL Server containers locally, without writing a single Docker command. The new <span class=\"s1\">Local SQL Server Container<\/span> experience allows you to launch a fully configured SQL Server container from the MSSQL extension\u2019s UI.<\/p>\n<p>By default, the SQL Server container wizard uses <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/sqlserver2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SQL Server 2025 (Public Preview)<\/a>, the latest version of SQL Server, which includes native support for vector data types, JSON functions, and other AI-ready features. This makes it ideal for building modern, intelligent applications locally.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"alert alert-primary\"><p class=\"alert-divider\"><i class=\"fabric-icon fabric-icon--Info\"><\/i><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>The Local SQL Server container experience works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, as long as Docker Desktop (or an equivalent) is running in Linux container mode.<\/div><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">This new capability is perfect for prototyping, developing, or testing workloads using the same engine available in production environments.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Key highlights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Auto-connect<\/b><\/span>: A connection profile is automatically created and ready to use<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Lifecycle controls<\/b><\/span>: Start, stop, restart, or delete containers from the connection panel<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Docker environment checks<\/b><\/span>: Get notified if Docker isn\u2019t running or installed<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Port conflict detection<\/b><\/span>: If port 1433 (the default SQL Server port) is already in use, the extension will automatically find and assign the next available port for your container.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Custom settings<\/b><\/span>: Define container name, hostname, and port via UI<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Other versions supported<\/b><\/span>: You can also choose to run a SQL Server 2022, 2019, or 2017 container.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to get started\u2014open the Connections panel, select the \u201cCreate local SQL Container\u201d from the menu\n<a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/container.gif\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5059\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/container.gif\" alt=\"Local SQL Server container - Get started\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Once the prerequisites check is complete, you\u2019ll be taken to the container creation dialog. Fill in the required details like image version, password, and profile name to continue.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/container-2.gif\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5060\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/container-2.gif\" alt=\"Local SQL Server container - Create container\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><b>GitHub Copilot Agent mode (Public Preview)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>We\u2019re introducing GitHub Copilot Agent Mode in Public Preview, bringing a contextual, action-driven chat experience into the MSSQL extension. This first release enables GitHub Copilot to interpret your intent and perform real tasks inside Visual Studio Code\u2014making it easier to interact with your database through natural language prompts.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Key highlights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>List servers<\/strong> \u2013 View all available SQL Server connections<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connect to server or database<\/strong> \u2013 Establish a new database connection<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disconnect from server or database<\/strong> \u2013 End the active connection<\/li>\n<li><strong>Show database schema<\/strong> \u2013 Display the schema for the connected database<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Here\u2019s how easy it is to ask GitHub Copilot to connect to your database and explore your schema\u2014all from chat.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/agent-mode.gif\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5065\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/agent-mode.gif\" alt=\"agent-mode\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">All available tools contributed by the MSSQL extension are listed automatically in the Agent Tools panel:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5066\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools.png\" alt=\"copilot agent tools\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools.png 1920w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/copilot-agent-tools-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"alert alert-primary\"><p class=\"alert-divider\"><i class=\"fabric-icon fabric-icon--Info\"><\/i><strong>Note<\/strong><\/p>These tools appear automatically in the Agent Tools panel when Agent Mode is active\u2014no additional configuration needed.<\/div><\/p>\n<h3><b>Connection Groups<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\">If you manage multiple projects, clients, or environments, <span class=\"s1\"><b>Connection Groups<\/b><\/span> bring structure to your connection list by allowing you to group saved connections into folders \u2014 with custom colors for quick visual organization.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5067\" src=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups.png\" alt=\"connection groups\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups.png 1920w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2025\/06\/connection-groups-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">This new feature improves navigation and makes it easier to keep development, staging, and production environments organized\u2014all within the MSSQL extension.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Key highlights\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Create and rename folders for saved connections<\/li>\n<li>Choose a custom color for each group to easily distinguish environments<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Drag and drop connections into different groups<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Edit an existing connection<\/span> and assign it to a group directly from the connection dialog.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Collapse or expand groups to declutter your view<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Easily switch between environments with confidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">Whether you\u2019re managing five connections or fifty, Connection Groups help you stay organized, visually clear, and focused.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>The v1.33 release brings us closer to our vision of a modern, developer-first SQL experience inside Visual Studio Code. From launching a local container powered by SQL Server 2025, to organizing your connections with Connection Groups, to exploring your schema through GitHub Copilot Agent Mode\u2014this update is all about helping developers build faster, smarter, and more locally.<\/p>\n<p>If there\u2019s something you\u2019d love to see in a future update, here\u2019s how you can contribute:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83d\udcac <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-discussions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GitHub discussions<\/a> \u2013 Share your ideas and suggestions to improve the extension<\/li>\n<li>\u2728 <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-feature-request\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New feature requests<\/a> \u2013 Request missing capabilities and help shape future updates<\/li>\n<li>\ud83d\udc1e <a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-bug\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Report bugs<\/a> \u2013 Help us track down and fix issues to make the extension more reliable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Want to see these features in action?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-container-demo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Local SQL Server Container demo<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-copilot-agent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GitHub Copilot Agent Mode demo<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aka.ms\/vscode-mssql-demos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Full playlist of demos<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Thanks for being part of the journey\u2014happy coding! \ud83d\ude80<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The MSSQL Extension for VS Code continues to evolve, bringing powerful new features that make SQL development more local, more organized, and more intelligent. In version v1.33.0, we\u2019re introducing Local SQL Server container, GitHub Copilot Agent Mode, and Connection Groups\u2014three capabilities designed to simplify and modernize the way developers build applications using SQL Server in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132338,"featured_media":5300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,669,668,625],"tags":[529,449,670,638,558,682],"class_list":["post-5007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-azure-sql","category-github-copilot","category-sql-database-in-fabric","category-vs-code","tag-azure-sql","tag-development","tag-github-copilot","tag-sql-database-in-fabric","tag-vs-code","tag-vscode-mssql"],"acf":[],"blog_post_summary":"<p>The MSSQL Extension for VS Code continues to evolve, bringing powerful new features that make SQL development more local, more organized, and more intelligent. In version v1.33.0, we\u2019re introducing Local SQL Server container, GitHub Copilot Agent Mode, and Connection Groups\u2014three capabilities designed to simplify and modernize the way developers build applications using SQL Server in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5007","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\/132338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5007"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5007\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-sql\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}