22-25 April 2026 
Magnus Ahlkvist
tsql.nu
20 year SQL Server professional with a need for speed.
Video unavailable
SQLBits 2026
An introduction to SQL Server database projects
Visual Studio database projects have existed for a long time, but they are widely under-used. This session will get you started and help you avoid a few pit-falls.
In this one hour session, you will learn the basics about SQL Server database projects (SSDT and/or SDK Style projects).
Topics covered:
- State based vs migration based deployment
- How Microsoft has implemented support for state based deployment using SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio.
- How database projects combine state based and migration based deployment.
- Working with schema changes in database projects.
- Common "gotchas" when working with database projects
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits and challenges with state based deployment. You will know enough to get started with SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio, Azure Data Studio or VSCode.
Topics covered:
- State based vs migration based deployment
- How Microsoft has implemented support for state based deployment using SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio.
- How database projects combine state based and migration based deployment.
- Working with schema changes in database projects.
- Common "gotchas" when working with database projects
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits and challenges with state based deployment. You will know enough to get started with SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio, Azure Data Studio or VSCode.