How to Connect ParadeDB to VS Code in PostgreSQL

How do I connect ParadeDB to VS Code?

Connect a ParadeDB-enabled PostgreSQL database to Visual Studio Code for seamless SQL development and AI-powered search.

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Description

What is ParadeDB and why use it in VS Code?

ParadeDB adds vector search and full-text capabilities to PostgreSQL. Connecting it to VS Code lets you write, run, and debug SQL inside your IDE, harnessing ParadeDB while enjoying VS Code features like IntelliSense, Git, and Galaxy’s AI copilot.

Which VS Code extension should you install?

Install “PostgreSQL” by Microsoft (ms-pgsql). It offers connection management, query execution, result grids, and connection-string secrets storage. Galaxy users get additional AI context in the SQL editor.

What prerequisites are needed?

1) PostgreSQL 14+ with CREATE EXTENSION paradedb; executed on your database. 2) A database role with CONNECT and USAGE on the ParadeDB schema. 3) VS Code ≥1.80 with the PostgreSQL extension enabled.

How do you build the ParadeDB connection string?

Use the URI pattern:
postgresql://<user>:<password>@<host>:<port>/<dbname>?options=-c%20search_path%3Dpublic,paradedb
This sets search_path so ParadeDB functions resolve without schema qualification.

Step-by-step: connect ParadeDB to VS Code

Press Ctrl+Shift+P → “PostgreSQL: Add Connection”.
Paste the connection string above.
Select a name like ecommerce-paradedb.
Choose “Save Password” only on trusted machines.
Expand the new connection in the PostgreSQL sidebar to reveal tables and ParadeDB indexes.

How can you test the connection quickly?

Create a scratch SQL file and run:

SELECT id, name FROM Customers ORDER BY created_at DESC LIMIT 5;

The result grid should show the latest customers, confirming ParadeDB is reachable from VS Code.

How do you run a vector similarity query?

SELECT p.id, p.name, v.distance FROM Products p JOIN paradedb.ivfflat_search( 'Products_embedding', ARRAY[0.12,0.33,0.44,0.11]::vector, 5 ) v ON v.item_id = p.id;

This query returns the five products most similar to the supplied embedding. Use VS Code’s result grid to inspect the distance column.

Best practices for ParadeDB in VS Code

• Store connection strings in .env files and reference them with VS Code variables. • Use search_path to avoid schema clutter. • Format queries with VS Code’s built-in formatter before committing. • Leverage Galaxy’s AI copilot to explain ParadeDB errors instantly.

Why How to Connect ParadeDB to VS Code in PostgreSQL is important

How to Connect ParadeDB to VS Code in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Retrieve last week’s high-value orders with customer emails
SELECT c.name,
       c.email,
       o.total_amount,
       o.order_date
FROM Orders o
JOIN Customers c ON c.id = o.customer_id
WHERE o.order_date >= NOW() - INTERVAL '7 days'
  AND o.total_amount > 500
ORDER BY o.total_amount DESC;

How to Connect ParadeDB to VS Code in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Connection string
postgresql://user:secret@db.acme.io:5432/ecommerce?options=-c%20search_path%3Dpublic,paradedb

-- ParadeDB extension
CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS paradedb;

-- Sample vector index creation
SELECT paradedb.create_ivfflat_index(
    'Products',           -- table
    'embedding',          -- vector column
    'Products_embedding', -- index name
    768,                  -- dimensions
    100                   -- lists
);

-- Sample query using the index
SELECT o.id, o.total_amount
FROM Orders o
JOIN paradedb.ivfflat_search(
        'Products_embedding',
        ARRAY[0.01,0.2,0.3,0.4]::vector,
        10
) s ON s.item_id = o.id;

Common Mistakes

Using the default search_path. ParadeDB functions will not resolve unless the paradedb schema is first or explicitly named. Fix: append <code>?options=-c%20search_path%3Dpublic,paradedb</code> to the URI or run <code>SET search_path TO public,paradedb;</code> each session.
Opening multiple VS Code terminals to the same ParadeDB database while building indexes. Concurrent index builds consume RAM and slow queries. Fix: build one index at a time and monitor <code>pg_stat_progress_create_index</code>.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use SSL with ParadeDB in VS Code?

Yes. Append ?sslmode=require to the connection string or configure the PostgreSQL extension’s advanced settings for certificates.

Does Galaxy support ParadeDB autocompletion?

Galaxy’s copilot recognizes ParadeDB functions like ivfflat_search and provides signature help once the extension is installed on your database.

How do I upgrade ParadeDB without breaking VS Code connections?

1) Disconnect from the database in VS Code. 2) Run ALTER EXTENSION paradedb UPDATE; in a psql session. 3) Reconnect. VS Code picks up new functions automatically.