Query work items using WIQL (#DirectSQL)

Same as the previous example but the query is sent to the server as-is using the #DirectSQL preprocessor, so you can write simpler SQL without wrapping the WIQL in a WITH parameter. Use this when you prefer to author the full WIQL statement directly. Behavior and result columns are the same.

For WIQL syntax see WIQL syntax.

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.

#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM WorkItems WHERE [System.TeamProject]=''ProductTesting'' and [System.Id]=6455 ORDER BY [System.Id] DESC

Using OPENQUERY in SQL Server

SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY], '#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM WorkItems WHERE [System.TeamProject]=''''ProductTesting'''' and [System.Id]=6455 ORDER BY [System.Id] DESC')

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) = '#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM WorkItems WHERE [System.TeamProject]=''''ProductTesting'''' and [System.Id]=6455 ORDER BY [System.Id] DESC'
EXEC (@MyQuery) AT [LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY]