Introducing Agent mode in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) | Data Exposed
Erin Stellato introduces GitHub Copilot Agent mode (preview) in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), showing how you can give Copilot a high-level goal in natural language and have it iterate by running queries and working through results, with controls for read-only vs read/write behavior.
Overview
GitHub Copilot Agent mode (preview) in SSMS is designed for goal-driven database work: you describe what you want to achieve, and Copilot can work through the task by executing queries, reading files, and iterating on its own outputs until it completes the task or needs your input.
The video covers:
- What Agent mode is in SSMS
- A demo of Agent mode
- A tour of Agent mode options in SSMS
- An example focused on performance troubleshooting
- Safety controls:
- Agent mode is read-only by default
- You can change the mode to allow read/write behavior
- How to change default “accept” behavior and switch between read-only and read/write modes
- Practical tips and tricks for using Agent mode effectively
Resources
- GitHub Copilot in SSMS video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3EZ3A8mHh0wew8yf4hodr3PQDxDh7sLt
- Documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/ssms/github-copilot/agent-mode