| author | WilliamDAssafMSFT |
|---|---|
| ms.author | wiassaf |
| ms.date | 04/02/2026 |
| ms.service | sql |
| ms.topic | include |
The database administrator (DBA) manages backup and restore, performance tuning, security, and high availability.
Recommended tools:
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Full-featured management with a graphical user interface
- MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code: Lightweight tasks and scripting
- sqlcmd: Lightweight command-line interface (CLI) for deployment and automation
- SQL Database Projects extension for Visual Studio Code: Manage and develop database schema in projects in source control
- SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA): Migrate to SQL Server and Azure SQL from Microsoft Access, Db2, MySQL, Oracle, and Sybase
The database/application developer writes Transact-SQL queries, debugs stored procedures, and integrates data access in applications.
Recommended tools:
- MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code: Connect, manage database schemas, and run queries directly in Visual Studio Code
- SQL Database Projects extension for Visual Studio Code: Manage and develop database schema in projects in source control
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Create objects, run queries, and perform lightweight tasks
- SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for Visual Studio: Schema and project-based development
- .NET libraries: Programmatic access using libraries such as
Microsoft.Data.SqlClient - Data API builder: Connect apps to the database over automatic REST or GraphQL endpoints.
- SQL MCP Server: Connect custom and Foundry agents to the database with a secure MCP Server.
The data analyst runs queries and generates reports.
Recommended tools:
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Run queries and perform lightweight tasks
- sqlcmd: Lightweight CLI for automation
- MSSQL extension for Visual Studio Code: Lightweight tasks and scripting
The data engineer manages extract-transform-load (ETL) or extract-load-transform (ELT) pipelines, bulk data imports, and data flows.
Recommended tools:
- bcp: Bulk copy data
- SqlPackage: Deploy DACPACs