Azure Data Studio

Azure Data Studio is a modern, lightweight, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) database tool from Microsoft, built on the same foundation as Visual Studio Code. It is optimized for the data professional workflow with a focus on query editing, notebook experiences, and connectivity to both Microsoft Azure data services and on-premises systems. Its core strengths include a superb SQL code editor with IntelliSense, snippet galleries, and integrated source control (Git). A standout feature is its integrated Jupyter-style notebooks, which allow mixing executable code, markdown text, and results—ideal for data exploration, documentation, and sharing analyses.

While it has excellent support for SQL Server and Azure SQL, its extensibility via extensions allows it to connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, and others. Azure Data Studio is designed to be faster and more responsive than SSMS for core development tasks, though it does not replace SSMS for high-level administration. It is ideal for database developers and data scientists who work in cross-platform environments, value a modern editor experience, and utilize notebooks for collaborative data work.