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SQL tools overview

Applies to: SQL Server Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance Azure Synapse Analytics Analytics Platform System (PDW) SQL database in Microsoft Fabric

To manage your database, you need a tool. Whether your databases run in the cloud, on Windows, on macOS, or on Linux, your tool doesn't need to run on the same platform as the database.

Free tools for your business case

Microsoft provides the following free tools and extensions to work with our SQL Server Database Engine products, based on your business role and function.

The database administrator (DBA) manages backup and restore, performance tuning, security, and high availability.

Recommended tools:

Description and use case examples

The following table lists available tools and extensions.

Tool Description Operating system Feedback
Graphical tools
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Manage SQL Server and Azure SQL databases with full GUI support. Access, configure, manage, administer, and develop all components of the SQL Database Engine on-premises and the cloud, including Azure Synapse Analytics and SQL database for Microsoft Fabric. SSMS is a comprehensive application that combines a broad group of graphical tools and a rich script editor to provide access to SQL for database administrators and developers of all skill levels. Windows only Feedback
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) A modern development tool for building SQL Server relational databases, Azure SQL databases, Analysis Services (AS) data models, Integration Services (IS) packages, and Reporting Services (RS) reports. With SQL Server Data tools (SSDT), you can design and deploy any SQL Server content type with the same ease as you would develop an application in Visual Studio. Windows only Feedback
MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code The official SQL Server extension that supports connections to SQL Server and Azure SQL, and a rich editing experience for Transact-SQL (T-SQL). Write T-SQL scripts in a lightweight editor. Windows, macOS, Linux Feedback
Azure Data Studio 1 A lightweight editor that can run on-demand SQL queries, view and save results as text, JSON, or Excel. Edit data, organize your favorite database connections, and browse database objects in a familiar object browsing experience. Windows, macOS, Linux
Command-line utilities
bcp utility The bulk copy program utility (bcp) bulk copies data between an instance of SQL Server and a data file in a user-specified format. Windows, macOS, Linux
mssql-conf mssql-conf configures SQL Server running on Linux or Linux containers. Linux only
sqlcmd utility sqlcmd lets you enter Transact-SQL statements, system procedures, and script files at the command prompt. With sqlcmd (Go), you can also deploy Linux containers for development purposes. Windows, macOS, Linux Feedback
SqlPackage sqlpackage is a command-line utility that automates several database development tasks. Windows, macOS, Linux Feedback
SQL Server PowerShell SQL Server PowerShell provides cmdlets for working with SQL. Windows, macOS, Linux Feedback

1 Azure Data Studio is retiring on February 28, 2026.

Migration, configuration, and other tools

The following table lists tools that are used to migrate, configure, and provide other features for SQL databases.

These tools are available for Windows only.

Tool Description
SQL Server Configuration Manager Use SQL Server Configuration Manager to configure SQL Server services and configure network connectivity.
Distributed Replay 1 Use the Distributed Replay feature to help you assess the impact of future SQL Server upgrades. Also use Distributed Replay to help assess the impact of hardware and operating system upgrades, and SQL Server tuning.
ssbdiagnose ssbdiagnose reports issues in Service Broker conversations or the configuration of Service Broker services.
SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) Use SQL Server Migration Assistant to automate database migration to SQL Server and Azure SQL from Microsoft Access, Db2, MySQL, Oracle, and Sybase.

1 Distributed Replay is supported on SQL Server 2016 (13.x) through SQL Server 2019 (15.x) only.

Additional tools and feedback

If you're looking for other tools that aren't mentioned in this article, see:

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