kdb Visual Studio Code Extension

This page provides an overview of the kdb Visual Studio Code Extension, its core capabilities, and benefits.

About

The kdb Visual Studio Code Extension adds first-class support for the q language and kdb systems inside Visual Studio Code. It supports next-generation KDB-X–based systems as well as traditional kdb+ workflows, offering tools for writing and running q code, managing connections to kdb processes, and working with assets in kdb Insights Enterprise. The extension supports:

• KDB-X
• kdb Insights Enterprise
• kdb+ Personal Edition
• kdb Insights SDK
• Any environment that provides a q executable

Core capabilities

The extension offers an integrated environment for q development:

• Edit q files with syntax highlighting, autocomplete, linting, and hover information.
• Run q code interactively using the REPL, code selection, or full-file execution.
• Connect to one or more q processes or Insights deployments.
• Execute q, Python or SQL code against kdb Insights Enterprise.
• View result tables directly within VS Code.
• Use KX tools such as data sources, workbooks, notebooks, and AxLibraries.

These features allow developers to work entirely within VS Code while interacting with any kdb environment.

Benefits

For q development

• Full IDE-style support for q code.
• Accurate syntax highlighting and q-aware autocompletion.
• Static and dynamic code analysis through the kdb language server.

For query execution

• Execute a single line, a code block, or an entire file.
• Run code against different connections as needed.
• Use a built-in REPL for iterative development.

For working with kdb systems

• Create and manage connections to standalone q processes or kdb Insights Enterprise.
• Switch between multiple connections without leaving the editor.
• Use KX data sources to run SQL, qSQL, and API requests.

For data exploration & notebooks

• View query output in structured tables.
• Use workbooks to run q or Python against any registered connection.
• Use KX notebooks for mixed-language workflows.

Data and telemetry

The kdb Visual Studio Code Extension collects usage data and sends it to KX to help improve our products and services. Read our privacy statement to learn more.

This extension respects the telemetry.enableTelemetry setting. Refer to the VS Code telemetry documentation to learn more about this setting.