How do I open a DTSX file for editing using Visual Studio 2019?
I have generated a DTSX file by using the Import Data wizard found in SQL Server Management Studio, using the same process outlined in this question. The answer to that question explains how to edit a .dtsx file, but it does not appear to be correct anymore. I am using Visual Studio 2019. The answer says I need to use this link to download SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio:
But at that link, it says:
Changes in SSDT for Visual Studio 2019
With Visual Studio 2019, the required functionality to enable Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services projects has moved into the respective Visual Studio extensions. The core SSDT functionality to create Database Projects has remained integral to Visual Studio (you need to select the Data storage, and processing workload during install). There's no more standalone SSDT installation required.
If you already have a license to Visual Studio 2019:
- For SQL Database Projects, install the Data storage and Processing workload for Visual Studio
- For Analysis Services, Integration Services or Reporting Services projects, install the appropriate extension(s) from the marketplace
I believe I need Integration Services, but it doesn't have a link to the appropriate extension in the marketplace. Through various googling paths1, everything keeps pointing back to the SQL Server Integration Services Projects extension. I have installed this extension2, but I am still unable to open DSTX files.
Here's how I'm attempting to do it: In Visual Studio, am going to File|Open Project. Then I browse to the folder with the .dtsx file in it, change the filter to *.* (because .dtsx isn't in the list of supported project extensions), choose the file, and click Open. I get this message box:
So, my question again: How do I open a DSTX file from Visual Studio 2019?
See below for detailed versions and installed extensions.
1 For example, see Lesson 1-1: Create a new Integration Services project, where they create a DSTX project. The lesson's Prerequistes instructs you to install the SQL Server Data Tools from Download SQL Server Data Tools, which is the same link from above.
2 I note that version 3.1 of the extension is currently labeled a Preview and that release notes for this version includes the text, "This is the second preview release. We do not recommend using it for production." But I do not see where I am able to download an earlier version of this extension, either from the marketplace website or from in Visual Studio. I would try the latest production release if I could find it, but it doesn't seem to be available.
I also see there are two notes about issues with this preview release. Neither seem relevant to my situation. The first is a regression in VS 16.2 where they recommend upgrading to 16.2.3. I am already on 16.2.4. The second is an issue where the extension and/or Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2019 might be deleted during a VS instance upgrade. I have not done any upgrades to VS since installing this extension.
Installed Software
- Visual Studio 2019, version 16.2.4
- SQL Server Management Studio, version 17.9.1.
In Visual Studio, when I go to Help|About Microsoft Visual Studio, I also see the following listed in Installed Products (this list is not complete; it includes only the items that seemed relevant):
- SQL Server Data Tools 16.0.61906.28070
- SQL Server Integration Services 15.0.1301.433
In Visual Studio, when I go to Extensions|Manage Extensions, I see SQL Server Integration Services Projects in the list of installed extensions.
