How to connect Postgres to VS Code in PostgreSQL

How do I connect a PostgreSQL database to Visual Studio Code?

Use the Microsoft PostgreSQL extension or SQLTools to open a secure connection in VS Code, then run, save, and share queries directly from the editor.

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Description

Why connect PostgreSQL to VS Code?

Running SQL inside VS Code keeps code, queries, and version control in one place, improves productivity, and lets you leverage extensions like Galaxy’s AI copilot to write faster SQL.

Which extension should I install?

Install “PostgreSQL” by Microsoft (ID: ms-azuretools.vscode-postgresql). Alternatively, install SQLTools plus the SQLTools PostgreSQL/Redshift driver for multi-DB workflows.

How do I create a connection profile?

Open the Command Palette → “PostgreSQL: New Connection”. Enter host, port, database, user, and password.Save the profile so it lives in settings.json.

Can I use an environment variable?

Yes. In the connection dialogue, set Password → ${env:PGPASSWORD}. Store PGPASSWORD in your OS keychain or .env file for safer credential management.

What is the exact connection string syntax?

Use postgresql://user:password@host:port/database?sslmode=require. The extension parses this string to fill its fields automatically.

How do I run a query?

Open a .sql file → select text → press F5 (or click “Run”).Results appear in an inline Result Grid you can copy, save, or export as CSV.

Can I parameterize queries?

Yes. Use :variable placeholders, then provide values when prompted. Example: SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE customer_id = :cust_id;

How do I share queries with teammates?

Use Galaxy Collections or commit .sql files to Git. The PostgreSQL extension stores saved connections locally, so share only the SQL, not credentials.

Best practices for secure connections

Enable SSL (sslmode=require), avoid hard-coding passwords, use least-privilege DB roles, and rotate credentials periodically.

Why How to connect Postgres to VS Code in PostgreSQL is important

How to connect Postgres to VS Code in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- List the five most recent orders with customer and amount
SELECT o.id,
       c.name AS customer_name,
       o.order_date,
       o.total_amount
FROM   Orders AS o
JOIN   Customers AS c ON c.id = o.customer_id
ORDER  BY o.order_date DESC
LIMIT  5;

How to connect Postgres to VS Code in PostgreSQL Syntax


postgresql://<user>[:<password>]@<host>[:<port>]/<database>?sslmode=[disable|allow|prefer|require|verify-ca|verify-full]

Example (ecommerce dev DB):
postgresql://app_reader:secret@localhost:5432/ecommerce?sslmode=require

Common Mistakes

Hard-coding credentials in connection profiles. This exposes passwords in plain text. Fix: reference environment variables or the OS keychain instead.
Using the default superuser role for daily work. This violates least-privilege principles. Fix: create read-only or app-specific roles (e.g., app_reader).