How To Connect to PostgreSQL Database in Visual Studio Code and Run SQL Queries (2024)

Summary

This tutorial demonstrates how to use Visual Studio Code to connect to a PostgreSQL server and execute queries. It guides viewers through installing the SQL Tools extension, setting up a PostgreSQL driver, configuring a connection with server details, and testing the connection. The video also covers creating a new table, inserting data, viewing table records, and modifying connection settings, providing a comprehensive introduction to SQL Server management in VS Code.

Takeaways

• 💻 Use Visual Studio Code to query PostgreSQL Server by installing the SQL Tools extension.
• 🔍 Search for the SQL Tools extension in the extensions section of Visual Studio Code.
• 📂 The SQL Tools extension supports multiple SQL-based databases including PostgreSQL.
• 🔗 After installing, a new SQL Tools icon appears in the left-hand bar for managing connections.
• 🔌 Connect to PostgreSQL by installing the required driver extension specifically for PostgreSQL.
• 🛠 Configure the PostgreSQL connection by providing server address, port, database name, username, and password.
• 🔑 For security, save the password as plain text in settings only if running locally and security is not a concern.
• 🗂️ Test the connection before saving to ensure it works correctly.
• 📊 Click on 'connect' to establish a session with the PostgreSQL server and interact with the database.
• 🔄 Use the interface to run queries, view tables, and manage records within PostgreSQL.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the SQL tools extension in Visual Studio Code?

The SQL tools extension in Visual Studio Code is designed to enable users to interact with various SQL-based databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.

How can you find the SQL tools extension in Visual Studio Code?

You can find the SQL tools extension by opening the extensions section in Visual Studio Code and searching for 'SQL tools'.

What is required to connect to a PostgreSQL database using the SQL tools extension?

To connect to a PostgreSQL database, you need to install the SQL tools extension and the PostgreSQL driver extension for SQL tools.

How do you create a new database connection using the SQL tools extension?

After installing the SQL tools extension, click on the SQL tools icon in the left-hand bar, then click on 'New Connection' to create a new connection.

What information is needed to configure a connection to a PostgreSQL server?

To configure a connection to a PostgreSQL server, you need to provide the server address, port (default is 5432), database name, username, and password.

What is the default port for connecting to a PostgreSQL server?

The default port for connecting to a PostgreSQL server is 5432.

How can you test if your PostgreSQL connection configuration is correct?

You can test your connection by clicking on the 'Test Connection' button after providing the necessary configuration details.

What happens when you click the 'Connect' button in the SQL tools extension?

Clicking the 'Connect' button establishes a connection to your PostgreSQL database, allowing you to run queries and manage your database.

How can you view the records in a table after querying the PostgreSQL database?

After querying the database, you can view the records in a table by right-clicking on the table and selecting 'Show Table Records'.

What options are available for managing your SQL connection in the SQL tools extension?

You can manage your SQL connection by editing, deleting, or disconnecting from the current connection by right-clicking on the connection in the SQL tools extension.

How can you insert data into a table using the SQL tools extension?

You can insert data into a table by writing an INSERT query and then running it by clicking 'Run on Active Connection' or right-clicking and selecting 'Run Selected Query'.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Setting Up SQL Tools Extension in Visual Studio Code

This paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on how to use Visual Studio Code to connect to a PostgreSQL server. It begins with opening the extensions section and installing the SQL Tools extension, which supports various SQL-based databases including PostgreSQL. The tutorial then instructs on accessing the SQL Tools icon in the left-hand bar to create a new connection. It emphasizes the need for the appropriate driver extension for the database system, specifically mentioning the SQL Tools for PostgreSQL as the required driver for connecting to a PostgreSQL server. The process involves providing server details, database name, username, and password, with options for handling the password securely. The paragraph concludes with testing the connection and saving the configuration.

05:02

🔗 Establishing Connection and Executing Queries

The second paragraph explains how to connect to a PostgreSQL server and execute queries using Visual Studio Code. It details the process of connecting to the server by clicking on the connect icon and navigating the database interface. The tutorial covers creating a new table with a specific SQL query, inserting data into the table, and viewing the table records. It also introduces the query history feature and demonstrates how to run selected queries. The paragraph further explains how to use the SQL session for later references and how to describe a table to view its columns, data types, and constraints.

10:03

🛠 Modifying SQL Connection Configurations

The final paragraph of the script focuses on modifying SQL connection configurations in Visual Studio Code. It discusses how to edit an existing connection if there are changes such as a port change. The options to delete a connection or disconnect from the current connection are also covered. The paragraph concludes by showing how to reconnect to the PostgreSQL server using the saved configuration and summarizes the overall process of using Visual Studio Code for database management.

Keywords

💡Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a popular, free, and open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It supports a wide array of programming languages and has a rich ecosystem of extensions that can be installed to enhance its functionality. In the video, Visual Studio Code is used as the primary tool to connect to and interact with a PostgreSQL server, demonstrating its versatility and extensibility.

💡PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL, often referred to as Postgres, is a powerful, open-source object-relational database system with an emphasis on extensibility and standards compliance. It is known for its robustness and performance. The video script focuses on using Visual Studio Code to query a PostgreSQL server, showcasing how developers can utilize tools to manage and interact with this database system.

💡SQL Tools

SQL Tools is an extension for Visual Studio Code that enables users to work with SQL databases. It supports multiple SQL-based database systems, including PostgreSQL. The video script describes how to install this extension and use it to create a connection to a PostgreSQL server, highlighting its role in facilitating database interactions within the code editor.

💡Extensions

In the context of Visual Studio Code, extensions are add-ons that enhance the editor's functionality. They can add support for new languages, debuggers, themes, and more. The script mentions installing the SQL Tools extension and a PostgreSQL driver extension, which are both essential for connecting to a PostgreSQL database from within Visual Studio Code.

💡Connection

A connection in the context of the video refers to the link established between Visual Studio Code and a PostgreSQL server. This is achieved through the SQL Tools extension, which requires specific configuration details such as server address, port, database name, and credentials. The video script provides a step-by-step guide on creating and testing a connection to ensure successful database access.

💡Driver Extension

A driver extension, in this case for PostgreSQL, is a specific type of extension needed to connect Visual Studio Code to a particular database system. The script mentions installing the SQL Tools for PostgreSQL driver to enable connectivity with a PostgreSQL server, emphasizing the necessity of having the correct driver for database interactions.

💡Configuration

Configuration in the video refers to the settings required to establish a connection to a PostgreSQL server. This includes providing the server address, port, database name, username, and password. The script details the process of configuring these settings through Visual Studio Code's interface, which is crucial for successfully connecting to the database.

💡Query

A query in the context of the video is a request for data from a database. The script demonstrates how to write and execute SQL queries using Visual Studio Code, such as creating a new table, inserting data, and selecting records. Queries are fundamental to interacting with databases and retrieving or manipulating data.

💡Autocomplete

Autocomplete is a feature in Visual Studio Code that suggests possible completions for the code one is typing. The script mentions that the SQL Tools extension provides autocomplete suggestions for SQL queries, which can speed up the coding process and reduce errors by offering context-sensitive help.

💡Connection Group

A connection group in the video refers to a way of organizing multiple database connections in Visual Studio Code. Although the script leaves the connection group as default, it implies that users can create and manage different groups of connections for better organization and workflow management.

💡Query History

Query history in the video refers to a feature of the SQL Tools extension that keeps a record of all the SQL queries that have been executed. The script mentions that users can view the query history to review past queries, which can be helpful for debugging or reusing previous queries.

Highlights

Introduction to using Visual Studio Code for querying PostgreSQL with SQL tools extension.

Installation of SQL tools extension in Visual Studio Code.

SQL tools extension supports multiple SQL-based database systems.

Accessing SQL tools icon in Visual Studio Code sidebar after installation.

Creating a new connection to a database system using SQL tools.

Requirement of a driver extension for connecting to specific database systems.

Installation of the PostgreSQL driver extension for SQL tools.

Configuring connection to PostgreSQL Server by providing server address and port.

Specifying the database name and credentials for connection.

Options for managing password security during connection setup.

Setting node-pg driver specific options like SSL and timeouts.

Testing the connection before saving the configuration.

Saving the connection configuration in Visual Studio Code.

Connecting to the PostgreSQL server and accessing the database interface.

Creating a new table in the PostgreSQL database using SQL queries.

Inserting data into the newly created table.

Viewing table records and using query history feature.

Executing SQL queries to select and insert data into the database.

Generating insert queries using the SQL tools extension.

Editing and managing SQL connection configurations.

Disconnecting and reconnecting to the PostgreSQL server.

Conclusion and预告 of the next video.

Transcripts

hey guys in this video I'm going to show

you how you can use your Visual Studio

code to query your post gray SQL Server

so let's get started so first of all

open the extensions section in Visual

Studio code and search for the extension

called SQL tools and the first result

most probably which will appear here

will be this one which is for SQL

tools now this extension works with many

other s SQL based database systems like

MySQL postr SQL Microsoft SQL Server so

the full list of supported database

systems you will be able to see in the

read me section of uh this extension so

first of all click on install which is

going to install this

extension now once this extension is

installed there is a new icon which will

appear here on the left hand bar R which

is for SQL tools so I'm going to click

on this uh icon here and let me close

this uh extension and then I can click

on new connection to create a new

connection now in order to connect to

the post gray SQL or any other database

system this SQL tool extension requires

the desired driver extension for that

database system so in our case we will

will be connecting the post gr SQL right

so we need the driver extension which is

for post G SQL so once again go to the

extensions and then once again search

for SQL tools and under SQL tools you

will be able to see more options which

are related to SQL tools so for example

SQL tool for MySQL Maria DB SQL tools

for uh sqlite and we can also o see the

SQL tools for postc SQL which is the

required driver we need to connect to

the SQL Server so just install this

extension also if you're using any other

database then you need to install the

required driver for that database which

is related to SQL tools so once this uh

is installed we can once again click on

SQL tools option here and now when I

click on add new connection I can see

these two options I will click on post

gr SQL here and then I need to provide

the configuration of my post gray SQL

Server so that I can connect to my post

cray so here the connection name you can

uh give any name here I'm using the post

CR locally so I'm going to just uh name

my connection as PG local here and then

you can also provide a connection group

I'm going to leave it as default

now you can connect via the server and

Port socket file or connection string

I'm going to use the first option which

is server and the port and then you need

to provide the server address if you are

running your postgre SQL locally just

leave it as Local Host if you're running

your post gr SQL server on some remote

machine then provide the proper IP

address of that machine and then the

post Port the default port for

connecting to the post SQL Server is

5432 if you are using some different

port for your MySQL server just provide

that

here now in order to connect to your

postre SQL Server you need to provide

the name of the database which already

pre-exist in your MySQL server so let's

say I have this database which is called

demo which I have already created in my

MySQL server so I need to provide the

database name I want to connect to so

here you need to provide the username

which you use to connect to your MySQL

server generally uh if you have

installed postra freshly then the

username will be postrace but it can be

different also which depends on the

settings of your post G SQL

Server now here in the password section

you have few different options like uh

ask on connect use empty password and

then you have save as plain text in

settings so I'm going to use the last

option which is going to save my

password as the empty setting just for

the Simplicity but if you are concerned

about the security then I will ask you

to use uh the first option or the second

option here so I'm going to choose the

last option which is save as plain text

in settings because I have my post

server running on my local machine so my

password is really simple here and then

when I move down a little it says node

PG driver specific option if you're

using SSL then you can uh enable the SSL

from here also you will be able to see

these multiple options like query

timeout statement timeout connection

timeout if you want to give these uh uh

settings then you can give all these

settings from here I'm going to leave

everything as default and then you have

this connection timeout option so I'm

going to give this connection time out

as 30 here and now I have given all the

required configurations so here I have

the option to save my connection but

before that we can also test our

connection by clicking on the test

connection button so when I click on the

test connection button I can see

successfully connected that means my

connection works so I can click on Save

connection now as you can see the list

of connection will be listed here and

your configuration in the form of Json

is listed here so you can see my

password for my local post gr is root

and uh all the other configuration is

listed here now in order to connect to

your postra server you can just click on

connect now or you can click on this

icon here which is for connect you can

also see the query history which we are

going to see little bit later when we

provide some queries here so I'm going

to click on this connect icon here which

is going to connect to my post SQL

database and it's going to give me this

kind of interface where I can run

queries on my database I can also expand

this connection where I will be able to

see my database which is a demo and then

if I have some uh tables I will be able

to see the list of tables here so I

already have one table here which is for

the names if I want to create new tables

I can provide the query to create those

tables so let's say I want to create a

new table here in addition to the names

table so I can uh provide this query

which is create table if not exist the

table name will be users and it has

three columns ID username and email the

ID is the primary key here now in order

to run this query you can can click on

run on active connection and once I uh

click on this it's going to show me this

kind of uh tab here which is for my

query and then when I refresh uh this

connection here so I'm going to click on

refresh here then I can see my users

table and then I can also see that I

have these three columns in my table

right now if I want to see the content

of this table I can right click on this

uh table and then click on show table

record right now I don't have anything

so I can see the blank uh table here but

once I have some data in this table I

will be able to see the records so now

let's insert some data into the table so

I'm going to provide this query for

inserting the data into my post crit

table which is insert into users user

name comma email and then I am going to

add these three row in my table now if

you want to uh run a particular query

and not the whole SQL script then you

can select your query here and then

right click on your query and then you

have this option which says run selected

query here and it's going to run your

selected query and once that's

successful I can once again right click

on the users table and then click on

show table records and now I I can see

three records here which are added to my

table

right so this is uh the SQL session

which you can save uh for the later

references also you can see all the

queries which are executed in the query

history here now let's say I want to

select the record via the query and not

by right clicking on this table I can do

that also so let's say when I type some

query here let's say SE this extension

is going to give me the options for the

auto complete for example select

srix from users and then I can once

again select this and then right click

and then click on run selected query and

it's going to show me the table

records now if you want to see details

about your table or database you can

once again right click on your your uh

table or the database and then you have

the option to describe your table it's

going to describe what are the columns

which are available in your table and

what are their data types and uh other

constraints about your columns you can

also add a new insert query so just go

to the end of your SQL script and then

right click on your table and then you

can click on generate ins insert query

is going to give you the sample insert

query for you so as I mentioned ID is

not required in my table which Auto

increments so I'm going to remove that

but I can change the values for the

username and email right so let's say a

username I'm going to leave it as

default and email let's say I'm going to

say email atate gmail.com

and then I can once again execute this

uh query you know the drill and once I

do that the data is inserted and I can

see the new data here like this which is

the fourth row now let's say you want to

change the configuration of your SQL

connection let's say your Port has

changed and you want to change the SQL

connection just so just right click on

your connection here and then click on

edit connection and you will will be

able to edit your connection you also

have the option to delete your

connection or you also have the option

to disconnect from your current

connection right so when I click on

disconnect it's disconnected and now I'm

no longer connected to my post csql

server but the configuration is there so

let's say at the later point when you

want this connection once again click on

connect and it will connect once again

this is how you can

use Visual Studio code to connect to

your postc SQL Server then query your

postc SQL server using visual studio

code that's it for this video I hope

you've enjoyed this video and I will see

you in the next video