22-25 April 2026

AI-Assisted T-SQL: Hello GitHub Copilot in SSMS

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

The future of database development is here. In this hands‑on demo we’ll unleash GitHub Copilot Chat inside SSMS 22+ – not just as a fancy autocomplete, but as a true co‑pilot that reads your schema, connection context, and even your mood (well, almost). You’ll see how slash commands like /fix and /doc transform raw T‑SQL into clean, performant, and well‑documented code, all while keeping an eye on security and privacy.

Session Details

The future of database development is here.

This session moves beyond basic code completion to explore the power of GitHub Copilot Chat directly within SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS 22+).

It is more than just an autocomplete tool; it's a versatile assistant for developers and DBAs alike.

We will dive into the core functionality, focusing on how Copilot leverages database and connection context (including schema awareness) to deliver highly relevant assistance.

Through live demonstrations, you will learn advanced prompting techniques, how to use slash commands (e.g., /fix, /doc), and the best practices for generating, optimizing, and documenting complex T-SQL queries.

We will also touch on important considerations like security, data privacy, and the inherent limitations of the AI model when working with production data.

Prepare to revolutionize your T-SQL workflow. Move from writing syntax by hand to collaborative prompting and AI-assisted SQL development.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Attendees can gain an understanding of Copilot’s Contextual Power, master SSMS Prompting, document Like a Pro, navigate Security & Privacy and Recognize that juman review is sometimes needed.