SQL Developer for VS Code - 3 and 1/2 tricks that will make you love your editor (a little bit more)

Ever since the first version of SQL Developer for VS Code appeared, I immediately enthusiastically started testing it. Even though the first versions still suffered from some minor “teething problems” – I never switched to any other tool.

What won me over about SQL Developer for VS Code? 

It has a few little things that are extremely useful to me and simply cool 😊

Changing the panel position

This was a total game changer for me. For years, I had been missing the ability to change the position of the panel where, among other things, data and script results are displayed.

In VS Code, however, it is incredibly simple. 

Changing the panel position - how to do it?

1. Right-click on the panel. A menu will open and select "Panel Position"

2. Choose whether you want the panel to be on the left, right, bottom, or top :).

3. That's it! 

Connection coloring

Another small thing that helps at work and has more than once saved a production database from a table DROP - is the ability to color connections. If the SYS AS SYSDBA connection is glowing red - it is much harder to make a mistake and run a DROP where you shouldn't :)

Connection coloring - how to do it?

1. Create a connection to the database - click the plus icon in the CONNECTIONS menu

2. In the connection editor, select the Color icon. And choose the color you like the most

3. From now on, your connection will be displayed in the selected color both in the connection list and in the Editor using this connection.

Creating folders

Another feature that was missing from SQL Developer for VS Code for quite a long time was the ability to create folders. Grouping connections this way is very useful if we manage or use many different databases.

Creating folders - how to do it?

1. Click the folder icon with the plus sign in the CONNECTIONS menu

2. Enter the folder name

3. If there are no connections - create them. The connections will appear in the connection list. 

4. To add them to the folder you created - simply drag and drop them

And that's it. Your colored connections are grouped in folders!

Marking DBA connections

And finally, one last trick - marking a connection as DBA.

Marking a DBA connection - how to do it?

1. Create a connection or edit an existing one. Select the additional settings icon

2. A new window will appear where you can select the DBA (Database Administrator) checkbox

Connections marked as DBA will have a key icon in the connection list and additional menu items, e.g. DBA

Sometimes little things like these can make life easier and more enjoyable!

What are your favorite SQL Developer features?