# SQL Developer for VS Code

Last week [SQL Developer for VS Code](https://www.oracle.com/database/sqldeveloper/vscode/) was released (direct link to VS Code extension [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Oracle.sql-developer)). If you're not using [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) (VSC) I highly suggest you download and install as it's the de facto editor for developers (regardless of programming language).

I've had the fortunate opportunity of beta testing the SQL Dev extension for VSC for a while and as such have a few helpful hints to start using it. *Before continuing this article please read* [*Jeff Smith*](https://twitter.com/thatjeffsmith)*'s* [*VSC announcement article*](https://www.thatjeffsmith.com/archive/2024/01/announcing-the-oracle-sql-developer-extension-for-vs-code/) *as it covers a lot of the key features.*

# Keyboard Shortcuts

Traditional [SQL Developer](https://www.oracle.com/database/sqldeveloper/) users are used to the standard keyboard shortcuts (ex `F11` for `commit`). You can view the SQL Developer for VSC shortcuts by going to `Code > Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts`

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705757784265/dabcdafb-f284-4494-b132-4d2867b8f30e.png align="center")

The new tab will show all the shortcuts available in VSC. Filter down to `oracle sql developer` You'll see the list of default shortcuts that you can modify. There's also a lot of commands that don't have shortcuts associated to them which you can configure as needed.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705758403489/4b733dfb-d954-4e2c-8979-f0f060a1477a.png align="center")

If you can't remember all the keyboard shortcuts you can easily search on the fly using VSC Command Palette and type in the command you're looking for.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705758659071/b75a85e0-d70d-4265-8792-07936692232d.png align="center")

# Extension Settings

It's always good to look at all the options for each VSC extension that is installed. To view the SQL Dev VSC extension settings go to Extensions then search for `@installed sql` > click on the gears and select `Extension Settings`:

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705841624915/b140f484-5eca-431f-9449-0aaaaf5fc47a.png align="center")

Some of key settings to pay attention to:

* `Database › Nls: Sort` I like using `BINARY_CI` more information about this can be found [here](https://talkapex.com/case-insensitive-sorting-in-apex).
    
* `Connections › Startup Script`: Can reference your `login.sql` More about login.sql [here](https://talkapex.com/sqlcl-and-loginsql).
    
* `Database > Date / Timestamp Formats`: I like to include minutes and seconds as well as displaying the month as a string (use `Mon` ) as shown below
    

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705841753756/656ddeab-9a9b-499a-94ab-a5e8d0b1bbf9.png align="center")

# Substitution Strings

If you're running an anonymous PL/SQL block or a query with an ampersand (`&` ) using the `run` command (or `ctrl+enter`) it will prompt you for a the substitution string:

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705845285206/bfff48d1-6597-4ecd-ba52-b93233df7835.png align="center")

To get around this just use `Compile` command (open the command palette and search for it). This will run just the block / query that the cursor is in (not the entire sheet).

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705845332323/15d915df-8ca3-4176-bb14-49b5024e06c2.png align="center")

# Query Results: Column Width

If your query has a lot of columns you'll need to select a formatting option. Right click on the row header and select `Auto-fit All Columns` and select the best option.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1705929870896/df009cba-1b53-423c-ba1d-ff094467e8da.png align="center")

# Feedback

Given that this is the initial release of SQL Dev for VSC there's a lot of opportunity for community engagement You can post your feedback, suggestions, bugs, etc on the [SQL Developer for VS Code Forums](https://forums.oracle.com/ords/apexds/domain/dev-community/category/sqldev-for-vscode).