Connect and query

Quickstart: Connect to and query a database

In this quickstart, you learn how to use the MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code to connect to

a database, whether it’s running locally, in a container, or in the cloud. Then you learn how to use

Transact-SQL (T-SQL) statements to create a database, define a table, insert data, and query

results.

To complete this quickstart, you must have:

: If you don’t have Visual Studio Code installed, download and install it

from the

official Visual Studio Code website.

: In Visual Studio Code, open the Extensions view

by selecting the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window. Search for

and select

to add the extension.

: If you don’t have access to a database instance, you can use one by

selecting one of the following options:

: Run SQL Server in a Docker container for easy setup and

portability. For more information, see

Quickstart: Run SQL Server Linux container images

with Docker.

: If you prefer a cloud-based option, create a free Azure account and

set up an Azure SQL Database. For more information, see

Quickstart: Create a single

database - Azure SQL Database.

SQL database in Fabric

: If you need an autonomous, and secure, and optimized for AI

database, create a SQL database in Fabric. For more information, see

Create a SQL

database in Microsoft Fabric.

: Alternatively, download and install SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition

on your local machine. For more information, see

Microsoft SQL Server website.

mssql