The SQL Server Developer Toolbox for Today’s Data Platform

2025 has been a turning point for professionals working daily with SQL Server. Major changes across Microsoft’s tooling ecosystem from SQL Server Management Studio 21 (with SSMS 22 already announced), to Visual Studio Code reaching feature parity and replacing the now-retired Azure Data Studio, alongside MCP Servers, Microsoft Copilot, and a new standard for Database Projects have reshaped how SQL developers are expected to work.

This session is designed for SQL Server developers, database professionals, and data engineers who feel overwhelmed by tool churn. It addresses the common challenges of tool fragmentation, shifting standards, and uncertainty about what skills and tools are worth investing in.

With a practical, real-world focus, we’ll review the current SQL development tools, explain Microsoft’s direction, and highlight what’s changing and why. Attendees will leave with a guidance on which tools to adopt today, which ones to de-prioritize, and how to future-proof their daily workflow without chasing every new announcement.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a concise, actionable understanding of the modern SQL Server developer toolbox, aligned with Microsoft’s roadmap and the confidence to make informed decisions that keep you productive and ahead in 2025 and beyond.

- Understand Microsoft’s direction for SQL Server development tools, including SSMS, VS Code, Copilot, and new database project standards. - Identify which tools and features matter today - Equip attendees with a future-ready toolbox