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Azure Data Studio (ADS) will be retiring on February 6, 2025. Don’t worry, though. You’ve got until February 28, 2026, to transition smoothly. Microsoft aims to consolidate SQL development tools and deliver a streamlined, innovative experience on Visual Studio Code (VS Code) using the MSSQL extension.

Why Retire Azure Data Studio?

Azure Data Studio has been an essential tool for many, but as developers’ needs evolve, so must the tools we use. Here are the key reasons for this transition:

• Focus on Innovation: VS Code is a widely adopted platform in the developer community, known for its advanced features such as improved query execution and schema management.
• Streamlined Tools: Consolidating SQL development on VS Code means eliminating duplication, reducing maintenance overhead, and accelerating feature delivery, ensuring you always have access to the latest innovations.

Why Move to Visual Studio Code?

VS Code isn’t just another code editor; it’s a modern, versatile platform trusted by millions of developers worldwide. Here’s why moving to VS Code is a win for SQL developers:

• Modern Development Environment: VS Code offers regular updates, an active extension marketplace, and a seamless cross-platform experience for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Comprehensive SQL Features: The MSSQL extension in VS Code allows you to:
• Execute queries faster with filtering, sorting, and export options.
• Manage schemas visually with tools like Table Designer and Object Explorer.
• Connect to SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL database in Fabric using an improved Connection Dialog.
• Streamline development with scripting, object modifications, and a unified SQL experience.
• Optimize performance with an enhanced Query Results Pane and execution plans.
• Integrate with DevOps and CI/CD pipelines using SQL Database Projects.

Transitioning to Visual Studio Code: What You Need to Know

Transitioning from Azure Data Studio to Visual Studio Code might sound daunting, but it’s designed to be straightforward:

• No Loss of Functionality: Your database projects, queries, and scripts from ADS are fully compatible with VS Code. You can continue your work seamlessly.
• Familiar Features, Enhanced Experience: VS Code enhances familiar ADS features with improved query execution, modern schema management, and CI/CD integration.
• Cross-Platform and Extensible: VS Code runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, just like ADS, and its extensibility allows you to adapt it to your workflow with thousands of extensions.

Continued Support

Microsoft is supporting you during this transition:

• Documentation: Detailed guides, tutorials, and FAQs are available on the ADS Retirement page.
• Community Support: Engage with the active VS Code community for tips and solutions.
• GitHub Issues: Report bugs or submit requests on the MSSQL extension’s GitHub repository.
• Microsoft Support: For critical issues, reach out to Microsoft Support directly through your account.

Conclusion

Azure Data Studio has served us well, but its retirement marks an opportunity to embrace Visual Studio Code’s modern capabilities.

For a detailed guide on ADS retirement, visit aka.ms/ads-retirement. To get started with the MSSQL extension, check out the official documentation. Let’s dive into this new chapter and see what we can build together with VS Code!

Happy coding! 🚀

Today at Microsoft Ignite, one of the announcements was about Azure Local.

Azure’s adaptive cloud approach, powered by Azure Arc, revolutionizes how over 39,000 customers manage their hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge infrastructure. With Azure Local, you can deploy cloud-connected infrastructure at your physical locations, maintaining operational control while leveraging Azure’s powerful tools and services.

Key Features of Azure Local:

• Unified Management: Operate and scale distributed infrastructure using the Azure portal and APIs, treating physical machines like cloud resources.
• Flexible Deployment: Connect compatible machines to Azure Arc and follow a simple workflow to create an Azure Local instance with customizable clusters, networking, and storage options.
• Seamless Updates: Manage Azure Local updates through Azure Update Manager, ensuring non-disruptive updates in multi-node environments.
• Centralized Monitoring: Integrate with Azure Monitor for unified observability across cloud resources and distributed locations.
• Support for All Apps: Run VMs and containers, Windows and Linux, side-by-side on the same physical infrastructure.
• Enhanced Security: With built-in security features and integration with Microsoft Defender for Cloud, extend cloud security practices to your distributed locations.

Azure Local offers flexible hardware and software options to meet your specific requirements and budget, making it an ideal solution for industries with distributed computing needs. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, finance, or government, Azure Local provides the tools to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability.

What do you think about this announcement? Excited?

📖Learn more: Introducing Azure Local, cloud infrastructure for distributed locations enabled by Azure Arc

I’m pleased to share that I’ve recently completed the GitHub Foundations Certification. While it may seem like a small milestone, given my extensive experience with GitHub over the years, it felt like an essential step in formalizing and validating my knowledge.

Credly badge: GitHub Foundations – Credly

GitHub has been a core part of my daily workflow for quite some time. From version control to collaboration on various projects, GitHub has been integral to my consulting and teaching efforts. When teaching Microsoft Official Azure Training like Azure Administrator, Developer, and Architect, … I use several repositories on the Microsoft Learning organization to keep the labs updated. Then we have the Microsoft DevOps Solutions course, aka the AZ-400 exam, that has some modules dedicated to GitHub. We can’t forget the use of GitHub when consulting projects focused on Azure and AI.

Although I’ve worked extensively with GitHub in different contexts, the certification provided me with a structured opportunity to refine and consolidate my understanding of best practices, workflows, and advanced features I may not have encountered daily.

Incorporating GitHub into my Azure DevOps training sessions and consulting projects has always been a natural fit. Whether I’m teaching students about CI/CD pipelines in the AZ-400 course or helping clients with their Azure and AI solutions, GitHub plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and version control. It’s invaluable when setting up and managing repositories for code, automating workflows, or working with teams across different locations.

While this certification might be a little overdue, given my years of experience, I’m proud to have it as a formal acknowledgment of my expertise. It reminds me that even with extensive experience, there’s always room to learn and grow.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue leveraging GitHub in my projects, teaching, and consulting work while sharing my insights. The platform’s evolving features, especially in the context of Azure and AI, present incredible opportunities for more efficient development and collaboration.

I highly recommend the certification to anyone considering it. It’s an excellent way to validate your skills, stay updated with GitHub’s latest capabilities, and ensure you make the most of this powerful tool in personal and professional projects.

As part of my commitment to sharing knowledge, I’m currently working on creating two new courses: one focused on Git Essentials and another on GitHub. If you’re starting with Git and GitHub, these courses will guide you through the fundamentals and best practices, ensuring you have a solid foundation on which to build. You can find these courses and many others on my learning platform, Learn With Tiago, available at https://learn.tiagocosta.com. Stay tuned for updates, and I look forward to helping you master these essential tools!

I’ll be speaking at the European SharePoint, Office 365 & Azure Conference (ESPC) 2024 in the beautiful city of Stockholm! Mark your calendars for December 3rd to 5th, and get ready for an incredible event filled with learning, networking, and inspiration.

I’m particularly excited to share that my session, “Azure Infrastructure as a Service Unleashed: A Comprehensive Journey into Design, Deploy, Manage IaaS Workloads,” will dive deep into the intricacies of Azure IaaS. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your Azure journey, this session promises to equip you with valuable insights and practical knowledge to harness the full potential of Azure’s capabilities.

ESPC 2024 is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry experts, explore the latest innovations, and gain insights that can propel your career forward. I can’t wait to see you there and share this learning experience with you!

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to register for ESPC 2024. See you in Stockholm!

More information at https://www.sharepointeurope.com/

As the curtains draw on yet another Global Azure Portugal, it’s time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the collective achievements and milestones we’ve reached together. As both an organizer and a speaker, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the energy and passion of the local Azure and AI community.

From the bustling corridors filled with eager attendees to the engaging sessions buzzing with thought-provoking discussions, Global Azure Portugal was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of cloud computing.

My Experience as a Speaker

As a speaker, I had the privilege of sharing insights and expertise on Azure Open AI during my session and moderating a panel discussion on AI’s transformative potential. The impact of these sessions was profound, sparking meaningful conversations, challenging perspectives, and empowering attendees to explore new frontiers in artificial intelligence.

The audience’s enthusiasm and curiosity reaffirmed the boundless possibilities that Azure technologies offer in driving innovation, solving complex challenges, and unlocking new opportunities across industries and domains. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, we explored AI’s practical applications, its ethical implications, and the role of collaboration in advancing responsible AI solutions.

Experience as an Organizer

Together with Pedro Sousa, I had the privilege of working with a dedicated group of speakers and volunteers who shared a common vision of delivering an exceptional conference experience. From meticulous planning and logistics to seamless execution and attendee engagement, every aspect of the conference was meticulously crafted to ensure maximum value and impact for participants and sponsors alike.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, who played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. Their invaluable support and resources elevated the conference to new heights. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community empowerment was evident in every interaction, exhibition, and networking opportunity throughout the event.

Some conference highlights stand out:

Networking: We more than 180 individual participants, Global Azure Portugal provided a platform for attendees to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with like-minded professionals and industry experts.

Sessions: From technical deep dives to strategic insights, the diverse range of sessions catered to attendees’ varying interests and expertise levels, empowering them to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence.

Community: The conference fostered knowledge sharing and skill development and strengthened the bonds within the Azure and AI community, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships.

Looking Ahead

As we bid farewell to another successful edition of Global Azure Portugal, our journey is far from over. The momentum, energy, and passion ignited during this event will continue to propel us forward as we embark on new adventures at the Azure and AI User Group Portugal and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving world of cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this conference – from our sponsors and speakers to our attendees and volunteers. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind our shared journey.

Global Azure Portugal 2025 organization starts TODAY!

Until we meet again!