Cross-Database Queries - Not Using SQL Endpoint

[NeedAUserName]

Is it possible to perform cross-database queries within a Fabric SQL Database that can join with Lakehouse or Warehouse database tables, without utilizing the SQL endpoint? We aim to develop/migrate complex stored procedures (using temp tables, loading tables, using functions, etc) that can subsequently connect to SSRS or PowerBI. If this functionality is not currently available, could you please inform us if there are any plans to implement such a feature in the future? Presently, it appears that the Fabric SQL Database operates in isolation.

[MarkLobbezoo89]

Hi @dlevy ,

does this mean that you are working on the following:

Join between 2 different SQL databases ? With the three part naming like: 
SELECT * FROM [sqldatabase].[dbo].[table_A] 

thanks

[dlevy]

Hi @MarkLobbezoo89 - Shortcuts will appear like tables in the current database and will go to the OneLake copy of the data. You can do cross database joins on the OneLake copies of the data via the Analytics Endpoint today with the 3-part syntax you have above. We do not have anything on our roadmap to enable cross database queries, live database to live database. If you are looking for that then please head over to https://ideas.fabric.microsoft.com/ and let us know how you'd like the functionality to work, like 3-part names vs shortcuts/external tables.

[arpost]

@dlevy, I have a similar question to the OP. To confirm I'm understanding, will this shortcut capability mean that sprocs will be able to execute against another Fabric SQL DB or Fabric DW using the 3-part name similar to how we can do this in Fabric DW and lakehouses?

[dlevy]

Hi @arpost - It will actually be 2 part names - the shortcuts will have a schema and an object name. The shortcuts will point to the OneLake copy of the data. We do not have anything on our roadmap to enable cross database queries, live database to live database. If you are looking for that then please head over to https://ideas.fabric.microsoft.com/ and let us know how you'd like the functionality to work, like 3-part names vs shortcuts/external tables.

[dlevy · Accepted solution]

Hi @NeedAUserName - We are working on a shortcut experience similar to what you can do in lakehouse. You may have even noticed the shortcuts folder in some of our demo videos for the public preview. While we are excited about the feature, we decided we need a little bit more time to get the experience right.

Look for shortcuts to allow cross-database queries from within Fabric SQL database in early 2025.