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SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a set of development tools in Visual Studio with focus on building SQL Server databases and Azure SQL databases. SSDT can be extended to Analysis Services (AS) data models, Integration Services (IS) packages, and Reporting Services (RS) reports with their corresponding extensions. SSDT allows you to design and deploy SQL objects with the same project concept as other application development tools. The SQL projects capability extends to CI/CD pipelines, enabling you to automate the build and deployment of your database projects with the SqlPackage CLI.
The core of SQL Server Data Tools functionality is available as a workload component with Visual Studio. The Visual Studio extensions are available from the Visual Studio Marketplace and more information on installing SSDT can be found in Download SQL Server Data Tools.
Note
SDK-style SQL projects in Visual Studio are available as part of the SQL Server Data Tools, SDK-style (preview) feature for Visual Studio 2022, separate from the original SSDT. The SDK-style project format is based on the new SDK-style projects introduced in .NET Core and is the format used by the SQL Database Projects extension for Azure Data Studio and VS Code. For more information, see SQL Server Data Tools, SDK-style (preview).
The latest release notes for SQL Server Data Tools with Visual Studio 2022 can be found in the following locations:
The release notes for SQL Server Data Tools with Visual Studio 2019 can be found in the following locations:
For information about SQL Server Data Tools with Visual Studio 2017, see Previous releases of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT and SSDT-BI).
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) transforms database development by introducing a ubiquitous, declarative model (SQL database projects) that spans all the phases of database development inside Visual Studio. SSDT Transact-SQL design capabilities can be used to build, debug, maintain, and refactor databases. You can work with a database project or directly connect to a database instance on or off-premises.
Developers can use the familiar Visual Studio environment for comprehensive database development. The suite of tools includes code navigation, IntelliSense, and language support akin to what is available for C# and Visual Basic, along with specialized validation, debugging, and declarative editing within the Transact-SQL editor. SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) also offers a visual table designer for streamlined creation and modification of tables in database projects or connected instances. In team-based settings, version control is available for all project files, enhancing collaboration. When it's time to deploy, projects can be published across all supported SQL platforms, such as SQL Database and SQL Server.
The SQL Server Object Explorer in Visual Studio offers a view of your database objects like SQL Server Management Studio. SQL Server Object Explorer lets you do light-duty database administration and design work. You can easily create, edit, rename, and delete tables, stored procedures, types, and functions. You can also edit table data, compare schemas, or execute queries using contextual menus from the SQL Server Object Explorer.
Learn more about SQL projects and database development tasks that you can accomplish with SQL Server Data Tools in the SQL database projects documentation.
Support for the Microsoft.Build.Sql project SDK is available in preview in Visual Studio as the next generation of SQL projects. The SDK-style SQL projects are based on the .NET SDK-style project format and are designed to be more flexible and extensible than the original SQL projects. The SDK-style SQL projects are recommended for new development and are available in Visual Studio 2022 as an optional component "SQL Server Data Tools, SDK-style (preview)." Learn more about the SDK-style SQL projects and Visual Studio in the SDK-style SQL Server Data Tools documentation.
Events
Mar 31, 11 PM - Apr 2, 11 PM
The biggest SQL, Fabric and Power BI learning event. March 31 – April 2. Use code FABINSIDER to save $400.
Register todayTraining
Module
Develop for Azure SQL Database - Training
Learn how to create and configure an Azure SQL Database. You'll use SQL Database Projects in VS Code, including installing the extension, importing, and modifying a schema. Additionally, you'll build and deploy database projects in GitHub Actions and Azure Pipelines, and automate and invoke the publishing of a database.
Certification
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate - Certifications
Demonstrate understanding of common data engineering tasks to implement and manage data engineering workloads on Microsoft Azure, using a number of Azure services.
Documentation
Connect to an existing database in SSDT - SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
Connect to an existing database in SSDT using SQL Server Object Explorer.
Previous releases of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) - SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
See how to install 2017 and prior versions of SSDT and SSDT-BI. View the release notes for all versions of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) that work with Visual Studio 2017 and earlier Visual Studio versions.
What's new in SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
The latest version of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) [Version 17.6 GA] was released in May 2023. In this episode of Data Exposed with Anna Hoffman and Subhojit Basak, they'll highlight the latest features that are being added to SSDT and give a sneak peek on the features coming next. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - SQL Server Data Tools 02:09 - Support for SQL Server 2022 02:55 - Ledger in SSDT 04:45 - Other improvements 07:17 - Upcoming areas Recommended resources SSDT documentation Visual Studio do