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Include External Data Source

Determines if the External Data Source statement is included in the SSDT Project.

When enabled and a Default External Data Source statement is configured, a DefaultExternalDataSource.sql script is written under {Database}\External Resources\External Data Sources in the generated project, for each database that contains external table objects. An existing script file is only overwritten when Overwrite External Table Defaults is enabled, so a data source statement updated with real account details is preserved across builds.

When to Change This Setting​

Keep the default N when external data sources are managed outside the SSDT project. Enable it for external-table (PolyBase-style) staging solutions where the deployment should create the data source the external tables read from.

SettingInteraction
Default External Data SourceThe SQL statement written to the included script
Include CredentialThe credential the external data source authenticates with
Include External TablesIncludes the external table definitions that use the data source
Overwrite External Table DefaultsControls whether an existing script is overwritten

Notes​

  • This setting is part of the SSDT settings category.
  • The default value for this setting is N.