List work items with ParentId

By default, relation fields such as ParentId are not returned so that list queries stay fast. When you need parent-child or other link information, set Expand='Relations' in the WITH clause. The result set will then include ParentId and other relation columns so you can join or filter by hierarchy.

Standard SQL query example

This is the base query accepted by the connector. To execute it in SQL Server, you have to pass it to the Data Gateway via a Linked Server. See how to accomplish this using the examples below.

SELECT * FROM WorkItems WITH(Expand='Relations')

Using OPENQUERY in SQL Server

SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY], 'SELECT * FROM WorkItems WITH(Expand=''Relations'')')

Using EXEC in SQL Server (handling larger SQL text)

The major drawback of OPENQUERY is its inability to incorporate variables within SQL statements. This often leads to the use of cumbersome dynamic SQL (with numerous ticks and escape characters).

Fortunately, starting with SQL 2005 and onwards, you can utilize the EXEC (your_sql) AT [LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY] syntax.

DECLARE @MyQuery NVARCHAR(MAX) = 'SELECT * FROM WorkItems WITH(Expand=''Relations'')'
EXEC (@MyQuery) AT [LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY]