Devart Adds AI Assistant to its dbForge 2025.3 Tools

• Core Feature: Introduction of an AI Assistant in dbForge SQL Complete, providing natural language to SQL, query optimization, and contextual chat within SSMS. (Source: Devart announcement on January 23, 2026)
• IDE & DB Support: Full compatibility with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 22 and integration with Visual Studio 2026. (Source: Devart)
• Expanded Compatibility: Added support for MySQL 9.5, MariaDB 12.2, Oracle Database 26i, and AWS RDS Proxy using `caching_sha2_password` authentication. (Source: Devart)

By integrating its AI Assistant directly into SSMS, Devart is making a strategic bet on workflow continuity. Developers and DBAs can leverage AI for query generation, syntax explanation, and troubleshooting without leaving their primary management environment. This approach minimizes context switching, a notorious drain on productivity. According to a study on GitHub Copilot, such integrated tools can significantly accelerate development tasks. Devart’s move applies this principle to the specialized domain of database management, aiming to speed up complex query writing and performance tuning. The simultaneous push for compatibility with the latest database engines and IDEs reinforces that this is an evolutionary update designed to keep pace with enterprise technology stacks.

While integrated AI assistants promise efficiency, their practical value hinges entirely on the quality and contextual awareness of the underlying models. An AI that generates syntactically correct but inefficient or subtly flawed SQL can create more problems than it solves, especially for junior developers who may lack the expertise to vet its suggestions. There is also a risk of over-reliance on the tool, potentially leading to a gradual erosion of fundamental SQL skills. Furthermore, the effectiveness of features like query optimization depends on the AI’s understanding of specific database schemas and data distributions, a non-trivial challenge that will determine if the tool is a true assistant or merely a sophisticated autocomplete.

The key metric to watch will be user adoption and testimonials that go beyond marketing claims. I’ll be looking for independent benchmarks or case studies quantifying the time saved on common database tasks. Competitor response will also be critical; watch for similar AI-driven features from rivals like Redgate or even native integrations within Microsoft’s Azure Data Studio. Finally, the specific capabilities related to the newly supported database versions, like Oracle 26i, will be an important indicator of how deeply the AI understands different SQL dialects and their unique performance characteristics. The success of this release will be measured in tangible productivity improvements, not just a list of AI-powered features.

• Devart is embedding AI into existing database workflows to reduce friction and improve developer speed.
• The release balances AI innovation with critical compatibility updates for modern database platforms and IDEs.
• The AI Assistant’s value will be determined by its real-world accuracy and ability to understand complex database schemas.
• This move reflects a wider industry trend of integrating AI directly into professional tooling to provide immediate, context-aware assistance.