22-25 April 2026 
An introduction to SQL Server database projects
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
Visual Studio database projects have existed for a long time, but they are widely under-used. This session will get you started and help you avoid a few pit-falls.
Session Details
In this one hour session, you will learn the basics about SQL Server database projects (SSDT and/or SDK Style projects).
Topics covered:
- State based vs migration based deployment
- How Microsoft has implemented support for state based deployment using SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio.
- How database projects combine state based and migration based deployment.
- Working with schema changes in database projects.
- Common "gotchas" when working with database projects
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits and challenges with state based deployment. You will know enough to get started with SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio, Azure Data Studio or VSCode.
Topics covered:
- State based vs migration based deployment
- How Microsoft has implemented support for state based deployment using SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio.
- How database projects combine state based and migration based deployment.
- Working with schema changes in database projects.
- Common "gotchas" when working with database projects
After attending this session, you will understand the benefits and challenges with state based deployment. You will know enough to get started with SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio, Azure Data Studio or VSCode.
3 things you'll get out of this session
Learn the difference between state-based and migration-based deployments
Learn how to use SQL Server database projects in Visual Studio to implement state-based deployments.
Learn how to combine state- and migrations-based deployments with Pre- and Post-deploy steps in a database project.