Azure Data Studio is retired. Here is the sharper alternative.
Mongrel is an Azure Data Studio alternative for SQL Server work: typed T-SQL over a pure-Rust TDS driver, estimated and actual XML showplans, DMV-based monitoring, and schema and record tooling in desktop packages for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Microsoft announced the Azure Data Studio retirement in February 2025 and the app retired on February 28, 2026; Mongrel adds 30+ database engines, terminals, containers, and an API client.
Windows x64 and ARM64 · macOS Apple silicon · Linux x86-64
// Why you are here
Retirement is a forcing function. Pick the tool with a future.
Azure Data Studio filled a real gap: a cross-platform, database-first surface for SQL Server. Microsoft's suggested migration, the VS Code MSSQL extension, covers the editor basics but leaves the workbench idea behind. Mongrel is built around that idea: the query surface ADS users relied on, plus the databases, terminals, containers, and clusters that real data work touches, in one app that is actively developed and commercially supported.
// What ships
What you get with Mongrel instead.
Desktop packages
A Tauri app with a Rust backend and system webview, packaged for Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS Apple silicon, and Linux x86-64.
The SQL Server surface
Pure-Rust TDS with encrypted transport and SQL authentication, typed T-SQL with exact values, replayable paging, and cancellation.
Showplans
Estimated and actual XML showplans for SQL Server, rendered in the same workbench where you write and run the query.
DMV monitoring
Instance, database, and session overview with DMV-based profiling, plus gated user and role administration with secret-redacted plans.
30+ database engines
PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Redis, Oracle, ClickHouse, and more through built-in drivers and signed first-party plugins.
The systems around the data
SSH terminals and tunnels, SFTP/SCP, Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, and an API client, in the same app as your queries.
// Side by side
Mongrel and Azure Data Studio, side by side.
| Capability | Mongrel | Azure Data Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Product status | Actively developed commercial product | Retired by Microsoft on February 28, 2026; no further updates or security fixes |
| Platforms | Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS Apple silicon, Linux x86-64 | Windows, macOS, and Linux builds, now frozen |
| SQL Server depth | Typed T-SQL, estimated and actual XML showplans, DMV monitoring | T-SQL editor with IntelliSense and query-plan viewers |
| Other databases | 30+ engines through built-in drivers and signed first-party plugins | SQL Server family first, with a smaller extension ecosystem |
| Notebooks | Markdown with runnable SQL and aggregation blocks | Jupyter-style notebooks with a broader kernel ecosystem |
| Price and license | Commercial; annual plans from $99/year with a free 7-day trial | Was free and open source |
// Honest tradeoffs
Where Azure Data Studio still has the edge.
ADS was free and open source, its Jupyter integration supported a broader kernel ecosystem, and its VS Code lineage made it familiar on day one. Mongrel is commercial, its notebooks focus on SQL and aggregation blocks, and ADS connections must be recreated manually. Mongrel adds XML showplans, DMV monitoring, and systems tools beyond the database editor.
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is Azure Data Studio discontinued?
Yes. Microsoft announced the retirement on February 6, 2025, and Azure Data Studio retired on February 28, 2026. It no longer receives updates or security fixes, so continuing to run it against production databases is a risk decision, not a habit.
What does Microsoft recommend instead of Azure Data Studio?
Microsoft points users to Visual Studio Code with the MSSQL extension. Mongrel is a standalone desktop alternative for people who want a dedicated database workbench rather than an editor extension.
Does Mongrel support SQL Server on macOS and Linux?
Yes. Mongrel packages its pure-Rust SQL Server TDS plugin for Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS Apple silicon, and Linux x86-64, with encrypted transport, typed T-SQL, showplans, and DMV monitoring.
Does Mongrel have notebooks like Azure Data Studio?
Yes, with a different scope. Mongrel notebooks combine markdown with runnable SQL and aggregation blocks and export to HTML or PDF. ADS offered a broader Jupyter-style kernel ecosystem.
Can Mongrel import Azure Data Studio connections?
There is no ADS connection importer today. Connections are quick to recreate: host, credentials, and optional SSH tunnel. Secrets use the OS credential facility when available and are stripped from exports by default.
Related guides and comparisons
The workbench ADS pointed at, fully built.
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