How to connect to a SQL database in VSCode
Jul 28, 2025 am 02:58 AM- Install the SQLTools extension and the appropriate driver extension for your database type in VSCode. 2. Open the Command Palette, select "SQLTools: New Connection", choose your database type, and enter connection details such as host, port, username, password, and database name. 3. Create a .sql file, write a query like SELECT * FROM users, then execute it via right-click or the Play button to view results in a new tab, with optional browsing of database objects and direct data editing in some versions. For SQLite, simply install the SQLite driver, create a connection pointing to your .db file, and start querying without authentication.
Connecting to a SQL database in VSCode isn’t built in by default, but it’s easy to do using extensions. Here’s how you can connect and work with a SQL database directly in VSCode.

1. Install a SQL Extension
VSCode supports database connections through extensions. The most popular one is "SQLTools" — it supports multiple databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle, and more.
Steps:

- Open VSCode.
- Go to the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar or pressing
Ctrl Shift X
. - Search for "SQLTools".
- Install the SQLTools extension (by mtxr) and its companion driver extension (e.g., SQLTools MySQL, SQLTools PostgreSQL, etc.).
?? You’ll need both the core SQLTools extension and the appropriate driver extension for your database type.
2. Add a New Database Connection
Once installed, set up a connection to your database.

Steps:
- Press
Ctrl Shift P
to open the Command Palette. - Type "SQLTools: New Connection" and select it.
- Choose your database type (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.).
- Fill in the connection details:
-
Database server host (e.g.,
localhost
or an IP) - Port (e.g., 3306 for MySQL, 5432 for PostgreSQL)
- User name
- Password
- Database name (optional, can connect without one)
- Connection name (a friendly label)
-
Database server host (e.g.,
Example (MySQL):
{ "name": "Local MySQL", "server": "localhost", "port": 3306, "username": "root", "password": "yourpassword", "database": "testdb", "driver": "MySQL" }
The connection will be saved in a SQLTools configuration file (usually in your user or workspace settings).
3. Run SQL Queries
After connecting:
- Create a new file with a
.sql
extension. - Write your SQL query, e.g.:
SELECT * FROM users;
- Right-click in the editor and choose "Execute Query" or press the "Play" button in the top-right of the editor.
- Results will appear in a new tab showing rows, execution time, and affected rows.
- Browse database objects (tables, views, etc.) in the SQLTools sidebar.
- Edit data directly in result grids (in some versions).
- Save and organize common queries in
.sql
files. - Install SQLTools and SQLTools SQLite driver.
- Use "New Connection" → select SQLite.
- Point to your
.db
or.sqlite
file on disk. - No username/password needed — connection happens instantly.
You can also:
Optional: Use SQLite (No Setup Needed)
For SQLite, it’s even simpler:
That’s it. With SQLTools, you get a lightweight but powerful SQL client inside VSCode. Just remember: always secure your credentials and avoid hardcoding passwords in shared environments.
Basically, install SQLTools, add a connection, and start querying — no external tools needed.
The above is the detailed content of How to connect to a SQL database in VSCode. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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