Fast Focus: What’s New Across Microsoft SQL and Developer Tooling in 2026

Anna Hoffman recaps the year’s updates across SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL database in Microsoft Fabric, with a focus on developer tooling. She also covers themes like security, performance, availability, CI/CD, containers, and how AI and vectors are shaping the SQL ecosystem, plus a look at roadmap direction.

Overview

This session is a fast-paced roundup of what changed across the Microsoft SQL platform and its surrounding developer tooling during 2026.

Microsoft SQL platform scope covered

• SQL Server
• Azure SQL
• SQL database in Microsoft Fabric

Key areas highlighted

• Security, performance, and availability updates across Microsoft SQL
• Tooling and developer experience updates, including:
  • SSMS
  • Drivers
  • Local development workflows
  • Containers
  • CI/CD
• AI and vectors as emerging themes in the SQL ecosystem
• GitHub Copilot in the context of developer productivity

Roadmap and staying up to date

• A preview of roadmap and direction for Microsoft SQL
• Guidance on where to read more about releases and how to keep up with ongoing updates
• A recap intended to be shared back with engineering teams