Overview
The mssql extension is Microsoft free, open source add on that brings SQL Server support to Visual Studio Code. Once installed it lets you define connections, write and run T-SQL, and view results without leaving the editor you already use for code.
It runs anywhere VS Code runs, so Windows, macOS and Linux are all covered. The extension adds IntelliSense, syntax highlighting and a results grid inside the editor, which makes it a natural fit for developers who want to query a database in the same window as their application code rather than switch to a separate desktop app.
Key features
- Connect to SQL Server, Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance from inside VS Code
- T-SQL editor with IntelliSense, keyword completion and syntax highlighting
- Inline results grid with the ability to save output to CSV or JSON
- Customizable snippets and keyboard shortcuts for running queries
- Cross platform on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Free and open source, installed from the VS Code marketplace
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free, open source and fully cross platform
- Lives inside VS Code, so no context switch away from your code
- Lightweight and fast compared with full desktop clients
- Good T-SQL editing with IntelliSense and a usable results grid
Cons
- A code editor, not a full DBA tool, with only a limited management GUI
- SQL Server focused rather than a general multi database client
- No graphical tools for backups, security or performance tuning
- Requires VS Code, so it is not a standalone application
Pricing
Free and open source. The extension and Visual Studio Code itself carry no license cost.
Who it is best for
Developers who already work in Visual Studio Code and want to run T-SQL against SQL Server without leaving the editor.
Verdict
The mssql extension is a great fit if VS Code is already your daily editor and you mainly need to write and run queries against SQL Server. It is free, cross platform and stays out of your way. It is not a replacement for a full administration tool, though: for backups, security and instance level management reach for SSMS, and for a richer standalone editor with notebooks consider Azure Data Studio.
Frequently asked questions
Is the mssql extension free?
Yes. The mssql extension is free and open source, and Visual Studio Code itself is also free, so there is no license cost.
Does it work on macOS and Linux?
Yes. Because it runs inside Visual Studio Code, the mssql extension works on Windows, macOS and Linux, which makes it a handy way to reach SQL Server from a Mac or Linux machine.
Can it replace SSMS for administration?
Not fully. The extension is built for writing and running T-SQL, not for graphical management like backups, security or performance tuning. For those tasks use SSMS or Azure Data Studio.