Update work items by WIQL query

Updates the same column(s) on every work item that matches a WIQL query. The query in WITH selects the target items; the SET clause defines the new values. Use this to bulk-update title, state, or other fields for a set of items (e.g. all tasks in a sprint). Verify the query scope before running.

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.

UPDATE WorkItems
Set Title='New Title - Updated on <<FUN_NOW>>'
Where 1=1 
WITH(Query='SELECT * FROM WorkItems Where [System.TeamProject]=''MyProject'' AND ([System.Id]=6469 OR [System.Id]=6468) ')

Using OPENQUERY in SQL Server

SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY], 'UPDATE WorkItems
Set Title=''New Title - Updated on <<FUN_NOW>>''
Where 1=1 
WITH(Query=''SELECT * FROM WorkItems Where [System.TeamProject]=''''MyProject'''' AND ([System.Id]=6469 OR [System.Id]=6468) '')')

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) = 'UPDATE WorkItems
Set Title=''New Title - Updated on <<FUN_NOW>>''
Where 1=1 
WITH(Query=''SELECT * FROM WorkItems Where [System.TeamProject]=''''MyProject'''' AND ([System.Id]=6469 OR [System.Id]=6468) '')'
EXEC (@MyQuery) AT [LS_TO_AZURE_DEVOPS_IN_GATEWAY]