Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code

The Snowflake Visual Studio Code (https://code.visualstudio.com/) (VS Code) extension enables you to write and execute Snowflake SQL statements directly in VS Code. The extension also integrates with Snowpark Python to provide debugging, syntax highlighting, and autocomplete features for SQL in Python code.

You can either install the VS Code extension from the Visual Studio marketplace or download and install the .vsix file.

Install the VS Code extension from Visual Studio Marketplace

  1. In VS Code, select Code > Settings > Extensions.

  2. In the Search Extensions in Marketplace field, enter Snowflake, and then select the Snowflake extension.

    To confirm you’ve selected the correct extension, look for the Snowflake badge as shown in the following image:

    The Snowflake certification location. Snowflake certification is a check mark within a blue circle.

  3. Select Install.

Install the VS Code extension from a .vsix file

  1. Download the extension:

    • Go to https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=snowflake.snowflake-vsc (https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=snowflake.snowflake-vsc).

    • Select the Version History tab.

    • Select Download for the VS Code extension version you want to install. Note where the file is downloaded.

  2. In VS Code, select Code > Settings > Extensions.

  3. Select More (…) > Install from VSIX.

  4. Browse to the location of the snowflake-x.y.z.vsix file on your computer, select the file, and then select Install.

    After the installation completes, the Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code appears in the INSTALLED section of the Extensions menu in VS Code.

Sign in to Snowflake with the VS Code extension

Before you can execute SQL statements, use Snowpark Python, or use Snowflake Native App Framework features, you must sign in to a Snowflake account.

Methods for signing in to Snowflake with the VS Code extension:

  • Use your Snowflake account identifier, username, and password.

  • Use federated authentication such as Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or Single sign-on (SSO).

  • Use key-pair authentication.

  • Use OAuth authentication in your connections.toml configuration file. See Edit the Snowflake connections.toml file.

The first time you use the VS Code extension to sign in to Snowflake, you need to enter either the account identifier for your Snowflake account or the URL that you use to connect to Snowflake. To determine your account identifier, see Account identifiers.

  1. Select the Snowflake icon in the VS Code Activity Bar.

  2. In the Account Identifier/URL field, enter the account identifier for your Snowflake account or the URL that you use to connect to Snowflake, and then select Continue.

    The Account Identifier/URL field isn’t available if you’ve previously provided your Snowflake account credentials.

  3. Select one of the following options in the Auth Method list:

    • Select Single sign-on to use your SSO credentials to sign in to Snowflake.

    • Select Username/password to use your Snowflake username and password to sign in to Snowflake.

    • Select Key Pair to use your Snowflake username and password to sign in to Snowflake. For more information about key-pair authentication, see Key-pair authentication and key-pair rotation.

  4. Enter your credentials and then select Sign in.

    When you select SSO, a separate authentication page opens after you enter your username and select Sign in with single sign-on. Enter your SSO credentials and then return to VS Code to complete the Snowflake sign in.

    After you successfully sign in, the sidebar displays your account information, your default role, the OBJECT EXPLORER with a Databases list, and your QUERY HISTORY.

Edit the Snowflake connections.toml file

You can add and modify connection definitions in the Snowflake connections.toml configuration file. A connection definition is a collection of connection-related parameters.

To connect to Snowflake with a TOML file, see Connecting using the connections.toml file. To learn more about managing connections with a TOML file, see Managing Snowflake connections.

  1. In VS Code, open the Snowflake VS Code extension and sign in to Snowflake.

  2. In the ACCOUNT pane, select Snowflake:Edit Connections File .

    The Snowflake:Edit Connections File location.

  3. Edit the TOML file.

  4. Select Save, and then close the TOML file.

The VS Code extension interface

An overview of the Snowflake VS Code extension showing its main areas: the sidebar pane, the SQL pane, and the query results pane.

The following table provides descriptions of the VS Code extension interface functional areas.

Item

Description

1

The sidebar pane contains the Account, Native App, Object Explorer, and Query History panes. Use this pane to specify account details, examine database objects, and examine query results.

2

Use the Snowflake Native App pane to create and manage a Snowflake Native App.

3

The Query History pane shows recent queries.

4

The current session information, including the current role, database, schema, and active warehouse.

5

Snowflake SQL pane. Displays Snowflake SQL files.

6

The Query Results pane shows query results. Select a query to display its execution result.

Use the VS Code extension with SnowSQL configuration files

The Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code can use Snow SQL configuration files for loading connection configurations.

Note

Only connection configuration values are used. Other SnowSQL configuration values are ignored.

  1. In the VS Code search field, enter >user settings and then select Preferences: Open User Settings.

  2. On the User tab, expand Extensions.

  3. Scroll down and select Snowflake.

  4. In the right pane, scroll down to Snowsql Config Path.

  5. Enter a path to a valid SnowSQL configuration file.

    All connections defined in the configuration display in the Account pane.

Work with SQL files

You can use the Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code to create and load SQL files. SQL files are text files that contain one or more SQL statements.

Open or create SQL files

  1. In VS Code, select File > Open, browse to the location of a SQL file, and then open it.

    To create a new SQL file, select File > New File and create a file of type Snowflake SQL File.

  2. Add one or more Snowflake SQL statements to the file.

  3. Optional. Select Snowflake: Execute All Statements (Execute all statements button) to execute a command.

Execute commands or queries

Important

To display Snowflake query results, the VS Code extension automatically runs DESC RESULT '<query_id>' in the background after every query. This process makes LAST_QUERY_ID() inaccurate. For more information about the DESCRIBE RESULT command and its parameters, see DESCRIBE RESULT.

In VS Code, select one of the following options:

  • To execute all SQL statements in a file, select Snowflake: Execute All Statements (Execute all statements button).

  • To execute a specific command, place your cursor on the statement you want to run and then select Execute.

  • To execute multiple commands, select the statements you want to run and then select Execute. The commands execute in order from top to bottom.

To use keyboard shortcuts to execute statements, select the SQL statements you want to run, press Apple OSX Command key. + [enter] on a Mac keyboard, or Generic control key. + [enter] on a Windows keyboard.

Executed SQL statement results display in the SNOWFLAKE pane.

To cancel in-progress queries, select a query in QUERY HISTORY list and select Cancel query (Cancel query button).

View query history

  1. In VS Code, expand Query History.

  2. Select a statement.

  3. Review the results in the SNOWFLAKE pane.

  4. Optional. Select one of the following:

    • Select Snowflake: Copy to Clipboard (Copy query text to clipboard button) to copy the query text to the clipboard.

    • Select Snowflake: Remove Query (Delete query button) to delete a query.

Work with query results

You can sort, reorder, hide, freeze, or save query results to disk.

  1. In QUERY HISTORY, select a query.

  2. In the SNOWFLAKE pane, choose a column.

  3. Select the expander arrow (↓) and then one of: Sort Ascending, Sort Descending, Hide column “column name”, or Freeze columns up to “column name”.

    If a column was previously hidden, choose any other column and select Unhide N columns.

  4. Optional. Select one of the following:

    • Select Cloud (Download results button) to save the results as a compressed gzip file.

    • Select Save (Save results button) to save the results as a comma-separated (CSV) file.

Work with Snowpark Python code

You can use the Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code to create, load, and execute SQL files.

Debug Snowpark Python functions

  1. Write a Snowflake stored procedure in a Python function where the first parameter is a Snowpark Session object.

  2. An inline Snowflake: Debug option appears above the function name. Choose this option to run the stored procedure in the function, using your current active session through the extension. You can also set debug breakpoints.

Detect SQL statements automatically

To set up automatic SQL syntax highlighting, enable the extension setting Auto Detect Sql in Python. The extension automatically detects SQL statements by looking for a SQL keyword in all capital letters as the first word in a Python string, as shown in the following image.

A code snippet of a Snowflake SQL statement in a Python string showing automatic SQL syntax highlighting.

Denote SQL statements manually

  1. Optional. Disable the extension setting Auto Detect Sql in Python.

  2. Use comments to denote the start and end of a SQL statement. You can use any combination of the following markers:

    • Start markers: -–startsql, -–beginsql, -–start-sql, -–begin-sql

    • End markers: –-endsql, –-end-sql

    The following image shows how the --begin-sql and --end-sql markers manually denote a SQL statement.

A code snippet of a Snowflake SQL statement in a Python string using comments to manually enable SQL syntax highlighting.

Use SQL autocomplete in Python strings

  1. In a Python file, create a Python string while connected to an active Snowflake session with the VS Code extension.

  2. Write a SQL statement. The autocomplete suggestions appear.

    For example, when you start writing a statement such as SELECT * FROM db1.public, the extension automatically suggests table names.

    Similarly, when you start filling out columns inside a SELECT statement that references a table, the extension automatically suggests column names, as shown in the following image.

A code snippet of a Snowflake SQL statement in a Python string showing autocomplete suggestions for column names.

Jinja template syntax highlighting

By default, the VS Code extension adds basic syntax highlighting and bracket autocomplete for writing Jinja templates (https://jinja.palletsprojects.com/en/3.1.x/) in Snowflake SQL, as shown in the following image.

A code snippet of a Snowflake SQL statement with a Jinja template showing syntax highlighting and bracket autocomplete.

Work with the Snowflake Native App Framework

Snowflake logo in black (no text) Preview Feature — Open

Available to all accounts. To use the Snowpark Python features of the VS Code extension, you must enable the extension setting Enable Public Preview Features. For more information, see VS Code extension preview settings.

You can use the VS Code extension to create and manage a Snowflake Native App. For more information about the Snowflake Native App Framework, see About the Snowflake Native App Framework.

Note

To make sure you have the latest VS Code extension Snowflake Native App functionality, Snowflake recommends upgrading to the most recent version of the Snowflake CLI. See Installing Snowflake CLI.

Snowflake CLI versions 2.2.X and 3.X.X are supported.

View the VS Code extension Snowflake Native App command palette

The VS Code extension Snowflake Native App command palette provides access to the following Snowflake Native App commands:

  • Create Native App

  • Deploy a Native App

  • Focus on a Native App View

  • Open a Native App

  • Run (deploy and re-install) a Native App

  • Teardown a Native App

To access these commands, type >Snowflake Native in the search field at the top of the VS Code window.

Create a Snowflake Native App

  1. In VS Code, open the Snowflake VS Code extension and sign in to Snowflake.

  2. Expand the NATIVE APP pane and then select Create new from template.

  3. Select one of the following:

    • Enter the folder name where you want to create the Snowflake Native App and then press Enter.

    • Press Enter to accept the default directory as the location for the Snowflake Native App.

  4. Select one of the following:

    • Enter the URL for the GitHub repository where your Snowflake Native App templates are stored, and then select Enter.

    • Enter the path to a local templates folder.

    • To accept the default GitHub Snowflake Native App template repository URL, select Enter.

  5. Select one of the following templates:

    • Select basic to create a Snowflake Native App with minimal code examples and guidance.

    • Select streamlit-python to create a Snowflake Native App with Python extension code and Streamlit code examples.

    • Select streamlit-java to create a Snowflake Native App with Java extension code and Streamlit code examples.

    • Select spcs-basic to create a Snowflake Native App with SPCS extension code and Streamlit code examples.

Deploy and open a Snowflake Native App

When you use the Run (deploy and re-install) or Deploy options, the application selected in the NATIVE APP pane is used. When multiple Snowflake Native App applications are available, a prompt appears, and you can select which snowflake.yml file to use for the deployment.

After you deploy your Snowflake Native App, you can open it in Snowflake to manage access, view, add, and validate app packages, view logs and events, and modify privileges.

  1. Select one of the following:

    • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Run (deploy and re-install). This is the recommended option when you have made significant changes and an application object is required.

    • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Deploy. This is the recommended option when you are deploying application packages and stage files and an application object is not required.

  2. Optional. Select the OUTPUT tab in the query results pane to view deployment progress.

  3. In the NATIVE APP pane, select Open.

View Snowflake Native App application object status

Note

Snowflake Native App application object status is not available in Snowflake CLI version 3.0.0.

  • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, expand your application.

    A blue font and a blue circle indicate that the application object has not been installed or deployed.

View the Snowflake Environment Variables Manager

Use the Snowflake Environment Variables Manager to create and manage environment variables in environment variable profiles. You can use an environment variable profile to customize object behavior in Snowflake Native App project definition files. For example, you can create environment variable profiles that change object behavior in development, stage, and production environments. For more information about environment variables and Snowflake connections, see Project definition files.

Use one of the following methods to view the Snowflake Environment Variables Manager:

  • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  • In the command palette, select Open Environment Variables Manager.

Add an environment variable to an environment variable profile

An environment variable profile stores environment variables.

  1. In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  2. In the Selected Profile list, select a profile.

  3. In the Environment Variable column, enter an environment variable.

  4. In the Value column, enter a value for the environment variable.

  5. Optional: To add additional environment variables to the environment variable profile, repeat steps 3 and 4.

  6. Optional: To add additional rows to the environment variable profile, select + (Add Row).

Add an environment variable profile

An environment variable profile stores environment variables. To customize object behavior in Snowflake Native App project definition files, create a new profile.

  1. In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  2. Select Add Profile.

  3. Enter a name for the profile, and then press Enter.

Add a row to an environment variable profile

To add an environment variable, add a row to the environment variable profile.

  1. In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  2. Select a profile in the Selected Profile list.

  3. Select + (Add Row).

Rename an environment variable profile

  1. In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  2. Select a profile in the Selected Profile list.

  3. Select Rename Profile.

  4. Enter a name for the profile, and then press Enter.

Delete an environment variable profile

  1. In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Environment Variables.

  2. Select a profile in the Selected Profile list.

  3. Select Delete Profile.

Enable Snowflake Native App debug mode

Use debug mode to view application objects that are not visible to consumers, such as shared content objects or objects not granted to a specific database role. For more information about debug mode and turning it on programmatically, see Enable debug mode.

  • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select App Debug Mode: OFF.

Drop Snowflake Native App packages and application objects

Use the Teardown option to drop the application object and package defined in the resolved project definition.

  • In the VS Code extension NATIVE APP pane, select Teardown. A confirmation message appears when teardown is complete.

Change session context

You can use the Account section of the Side Bar pane to select roles, databases, schemas, and warehouses. Use the associated dropdown to select each as appropriate.

Use the account drop down to sign in to, or switch between different accounts.

Sign in to, or switch between accounts.

Manage stage content

The Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code supports managing stage content directly in the Object Explorer.

List all the files in a stage

  1. In the VS Code OBJECT EXPLORER, navigate to a stage.

  2. Expand the stage to see all staged files.

Upload files from the local file system to a stage

The Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code only supports uploads for internal stages, all other operations work for both internal and external stages.

  1. In the VS Code OBJECT EXPLORER, navigate to a stage and select Upload (Upload file button).

  2. Enter optional parameters for the upload operation. See PUT for a list of optional parameters.

  3. Navigate to the folder containing upload files, and then select and upload one or more files.

Download files from a stage to a local file system

  1. In the VS Code OBJECT EXPLORER, navigate to a stage.

  2. Select Download (Download results button) to download all files, or expand the stage.

  3. Select and download a file.

  4. Select a directory to complete the download.

Remove files from a stage

See also REMOVE.

  1. In the VS Code OBJECT EXPLORER, navigate to a stage.

  2. Select a file.

  3. Select Remove (Remove button).

VS Code extension settings

The following table lists the Snowflake Extension for Visual Studio Code settings.

Setting

Description

Default

Autocomplete Object Details

Show details of a Snowflake object after you select its autocomplete entry

Disabled

Autocomplete Variant Keys

Show OBJECT/VARIANT key autocomplete suggestions

Disabled

Connections Config File

Specifies the location of the config.toml file

Unset

Enable Frequency Based Completion

Enable frequency-based auto-completion suggestions

Enabled

Enable Native App Panel

Enable the Snowflake Native App pane

Disabled

Export CSV > Delimiter

Specifies delimiter for columns

Comma

Export CSV > Header

Enable inclusion of header row in exported CSV file

Enabled

Export CSV > Include Empty Rows

Enable inclusion of empty rows in exported CSV file

Exclude

Export CSV > Quotes

Enable double quotes around all values in exported CSV file

Enabled

Highlight Query

Enable background highlight on the current SQL statement

Enabled

Native App: Activate Snowflake CLI Debugging

Enable debugging mode for Snowflake CLI operations (Snowflake Native App)

Disabled

Object Explorer: Search

Enable search in object explorer

Enabled

Query History: Item Limit

Specifies the maximum number of queries shown in history. Showing more queries might affect performance.

1000

Set Client Session Keep Alive

Specifies whether to keep the session active indefinitely when the connection is active, regardless of activity. If this is not enabled, you must sign in again after four hours of inactivity.

Enabled

Set HTTP Agent Keep Alive

Enable Node.js driver socket reuse for requests

Enabled

Show Execute Above Statement

Enable a selectable execute action above each statement

Enabled

Skip Native App Support Message

Hides the support message when a Snowflake Native App project is detected

Disabled

Skip YAML Support Message

Hides the YAML extension recommendation message

Disabled

Snowsql Config Path

If set, connection configuration will be loaded from this file

Unset

Syntax Highlighting: Auto Detect SQL In Python

Enable SQL statement syntax highlighting in Python strings

Enabled

VS Code extension preview settings

Snowflake logo in black (no text) Preview Feature — Open

Available to all accounts.

The following table lists the VS Code extension preview settings.

Setting

Description

Default

Enable Public Preview Features

Enable public preview features for the extension

Disabled

Change VS Code extension settings

  1. Select one of the following:

    • On Windows/Linux select File > Preferences > Settings.

    • On macOS select Code > Settings > Settings.

  2. In the Search settings field, enter Snowflake.

  3. Select the User or Workspace tabs to view or modify user specific or workspace specific settings.

  4. Close the Settings tab.

Show the VS Code extension changelog

  1. Press CMD+Shift+P (Mac), or CTRL+Shift+P (Windows).

  2. Enter the following command:

    Show Change Log
    Copy

Uninstall the VS Code extension

  1. Select Code > Settings > Extensions

  2. Select the extension.

  3. Right-click and select Disable or Uninstall.

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