top of page
Search

Supercharge Your Azure and SQL Development with GitHub Copilot

  • aferencz21
  • Nov 3
  • 2 min read

Modern cloud development demands speed, accuracy, and flexibility. GitHub Copilot powered by OpenAI brings AI-assisted coding directly into your workflow, helping you write SQL queries, optimize schemas, and integrate with Azure services faster than ever. Whether you are building data-driven apps or managing complex databases, Copilot can transform your development experience.


Why GitHub Copilot for Azure and SQL?


Copilot is not just for application code. It is a game-changer for database developers and cloud architects. With Copilot integrated into Visual Studio Code, Azure Data Studio, or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), you can:

  • Generate T-SQL queries and stored procedures using natural language.

  • Scaffold database schemas and ORM migrations.

  • Optimize queries with AI-driven recommendations.

  • Interact with Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and PostgreSQL in Azure using contextual prompts.


Getting Started


Prerequisites

  • Azure account and subscription.

  • GitHub account with a Copilot subscription.

  • Visual Studio Code or Azure Data Studio installed.

Extensions:

  • GitHub Copilot and Copilot Chat.

  • MSSQL extension for VS Code or Azure Data Studio.


Install and Configure

  1. In VS Code, open Extensions Marketplace, search for GitHub Copilot for Azure, and install.

  2. Authenticate with GitHub and Azure.

  3. For SSMS, configure Copilot using your Azure OpenAI endpoint, deployment name, and API key.


Step-by-Step Guide: Integrating GitHub Copilot with Azure SQL in VS Code


Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

  • Install Visual Studio Code: https://code.visualstudio.com/

  • Install extensions:

    • GitHub Copilot

    • SQL Server (mssql) for database connectivity

  • Sign in:

    • Authenticate GitHub Copilot with your GitHub account.

    • Connect to Azure using the Azure Account extension.


Step 2: Create an Azure SQL Database

Use Azure CLI:

# Create Resource Group
az group create --name RG-Demo --location eastus

# Create Azure SQL Server
az sql server create --name sql-demo-server \
    --resource-group RG-Demo \
    --location eastus \
    --admin-user sqladmin \
    --admin-password StrongPassword123!

# Create Azure SQL Database
az sql db create --resource-group RG-Demo \
    --server sql-demo-server \
    --name DemoDB \
    --service-objective S0

Step 3: Connect VS Code to Azure SQL


Step 4: Use GitHub Copilot for SQL

Open a .sql file and start typing comments:

-- Create a table for storing customer data

Suggestion:

CREATE TABLE Customers (
    CustomerID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    FirstName NVARCHAR(50),
    LastName NVARCHAR(50),
    Email NVARCHAR(100),
    City NVARCHAR(50)
);

Example Query:

-- Select all customers from New York ordered by LastName

Suggestion:

SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE City = 'New York'
ORDER BY LastName;

Step 5: Automate Azure Tasks with Copilot


In a .sh file:

# Create an Azure SQL Database named SalesDB in RG-Demo

Copilot generates:

az sql db create --resource-group RG-Demo \
    --server sql-demo-server \
    --name SalesDB \
    --service-objective S0

Best Practices

  • Be specific in prompts: Include table names, constraints, and expected logic.

  • Validate generated code: Copilot accelerates development but does not replace testing.

  • Use parameterized queries for security.

  • Enable Query Store in Azure SQL for performance insights.

  • Use Copilot for repetitive tasks, freeing time for architecture and optimization.


GitHub Copilot bridges the gap between AI and cloud development, making Azure and SQL workflows more intuitive. From writing queries to managing resources, Copilot helps you code smarter, not harder.


Learn more:

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page