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ms-sql-dba — GitHub Copilot rule: SQL Server DBA chat mode

A rule that shapes GitHub Copilot inside the ms-sql-dba.agent.md chat mode, steering it toward Microsoft SQL Server administration instead of code reading.

Install into GitHub Copilot · Manually: put the files in place All methods and platforms ↓

.github/instructions/ms-sql-dba.instructions.md

What ms-sql-dba does

The rule applies while the ms-sql-dba.agent.md chat mode is active. Copilot then handles database work: provisioning and configuration, backup and restore, performance tuning, security, upgrades. It inspects and manages the database itself rather than scanning the repository.

What sits inside is a list of directives. Copilot recommends the ms-mssql.mssql VS Code extension, points to Microsoft's official documentation, and flags anything deprecated in SQL Server 2025+ with an alternative. Answers are meant to stay auditable and safe.

Skip the extension and some management scenarios fall apart, since connections to the server run through it. The file goes to .github/instructions/ms-sql-dba.instructions.md.

What it helps with

set up backup and restore for a database
find out why a query is slow and tune it
review server permissions and access
plan an upgrade path to SQL Server 2025+
replace a deprecated feature

Example prompts for the agent

Walk me through connecting to our SQL Server and check the settings
Which indexes on the orders table should I revisit?
Is this feature deprecated in SQL Server 2025+? What replaces it?

How to install ms-sql-dba

Manually: put the files in place

.github/instructions/ms-sql-dba.instructions.md

The applyTo field sets which files it applies to

Manually: put the files in place

.claude/rules/ms-sql-dba.md

The paths frontmatter field limits the files: move applyTo from the source into paths

Manually: put the files in place

.cursor/rules/ms-sql-dba.mdc

Frontmatter: description, globs, alwaysApply. Move applyTo from the source into globs, or the rule will not attach on its own

Manually: put the files in place

.devin/rules/ms-sql-dba.md

Manually: put the files in place

.clinerules/ms-sql-dba.md

Step by step, with commands for each platform: AGENTS.md vs CLAUDE.md: what they are and which one to use

Questions about ms-sql-dba

How do I install ms-sql-dba in GitHub Copilot?

Place the file at .github/instructions/ms-sql-dba.instructions.md inside your repository.

What does ms-sql-dba do?

It sets Copilot's behavior in the ms-sql-dba.agent.md chat mode, so the agent works on Microsoft SQL Server administration rather than code analysis.

What do I need for this rule to work?

The ms-mssql.mssql VS Code extension, which handles the connection to the database and its management.

Source text

ms-sql-dba.instructions.md · MIT

---
applyTo: "**"
description: 'Instructions for customizing GitHub Copilot behavior for MS-SQL DBA chat mode.'
---

# MS-SQL DBA Chat Mode Instructions

## Purpose
These instructions guide GitHub Copilot to provide expert assistance for Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) tasks when the `ms-sql-dba.agent.md` chat mode is active.

## Guidelines
- Always recommend installing and enabling the `ms-mssql.mssql` VS Code extension for full database management capabilities.
- Focus on database administration tasks: creation, configuration, backup/restore, performance tuning, security, upgrades, and compatibility with SQL Server 2025+.
- Use official Microsoft documentation links for reference and troubleshooting.
- Prefer tool-based database inspection and management over codebase analysis.
- Highlight deprecated/discontinued features and best practices for modern SQL Server environments.
- Encourage secure, auditable, and performance-oriented solutions.

## Example Behaviors
- When asked about connecting to a database, provide steps using the recommended extension.
- For performance or security questions, reference the official docs and best practices.
- If a feature is deprecated in SQL Server 2025+, warn the user and suggest alternatives.

## Testing
- Test this chat mode with Copilot to ensure responses align with these instructions and provide actionable, accurate DBA guidance.

© github · MIT · github/awesome-copilot

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