7 Best SQL IDEs in 2023

By Josip MiskovicUpdated on
7 Best SQL IDEs in 2023

SQL IDEs make working with databases easier. They provide features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and query building to help you work more efficiently with your database.

If you are new to SQL, read my article on best SQL books to maximize your use of SQL IDEs.

What are the best SQL IDEs in 2023?

Here's a list of the best SQL IDE in 2023:

1.DataGrip

DataGrip Website
DataGrip Logo

DataGrip is the best SQL editor that provides a variety of features to help you write better code and fix errors on the fly. DataGrip features a customizable interface, syntax highlighting, code completion, and SQL formatting. It also includes features for data analysis and debugging.

Learn More About DataGrip

Key Features of DataGrip

  • DataGrip is a multi-engine database environment that provides database introspection and various instruments for creating and modifying objects for the supported engines.
  • Quick navigation takes you to an object independently of whether it has just been created in your code or previously read from a database.
  • Explore your tables and their relationships using an insightful diagram.
  • Compare schemas to see the difference and generate migration scripts for them.
  • Handle all data manipulations: edit, search, import and export.

What I Like/Dislike About DataGrip

Pros:

  • Completes your queries, shortcuts to navigate through tables are just amazing
  • It connects to MSSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL, as well as other Databases.
  • It also offers SSH connection support.
  • The UI is attractive and fast.
  • Each new query console saves its last result, making data comparisons between queries easy.

Cons:

  • It takes some time to get used to all functionalities available.
  • There is no free version for personal use.
  • The tool can be heavy on RAM.
  • There are not many resources available online to help users with DataGrip.
DataGrip Pricing

2.SQLGate

SQLGate Website
SQLGate Logo

SQLGate is a comprehensive database management and development tool that makes it easier to work with large databases. It supports seven different databases, including Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, Tibero, and PostgreSQL.

Additionally, it offers many features to increase productivity, including customizable menus and shortcuts, auto-completion, and syntax highlighting.

SQLGate is a software for DBA, developers, and data scientists who manage and analyze data and monitor databases. It offers all the data management, data analysis, and database monitoring that anyone could ever need.

SQLGate runs on Windows and Mac.

Learn More About SQLGate

Key Features of SQLGate

  • Supports 8 different databases including Oracle, SQL Server, Tibero, DB2, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and CUBRID
  • Direct connection to databases without complex client installations
  • Object explorer & object panel for developers to check information of objects and connect object panels to editors for analysis
  • Debugging features let each query to detect the exact error while also creating multiple queries to help users write queries more accurately
  • SQL execution plan viewer and formatting and query builder
  • Database reports are accessible as well that deliver holistic management views

What I Like/Dislike About SQLGate

Pros:

  • SQL Gate is easy to use and has a great user interface.
  • Has a free version so you can start using it to build a database.
  • Great for making graphical schema.
  • Supports different database types.

Cons:

  • The interface can be hard to figure out.
  • Keyboard shortcuts are not very user-friendly.
  • The load on the database can sometimes cause glitches.
  • The installation process can be difficult.
  • There are limited features available in the free version.
  • Users are required to be registered with the vendor in order to use the software.
SQLGate Pricing

3.DBeaver

DBeaver Website
DBeaver Logo

DBeaver is a comprehensive data management tool that allows you to analyze, compare, visualize and transfer data in any format and from any source. It also has a built-in browser and supports complex authorization mechanisms. This tool is perfect for both technical and non-technical users who need to work with data.

It has a rich feature set, including support for NoSQL and Big Data databases, the Visual Query Builder, analytical charts, and more. It also includes the main drivers for all major databases, as well as SSH tunneling and other features.

The DBeaver Community Edition is free and open source software that is distributed under the Apache License. A closed-source enterprise edition of DBeaver is distributed under a commercial license

Learn More About DBeaver

Key Features of DBeaver

  • Supports various datasources, including relational, document-oriented, key-value, time-series, and other databases.
  • Allows for user-defined connection types and creation of custom drivers.
  • Standard connection properties (host, port, user credentials) can be configured, as well as more advanced properties such as SSH tunneling and SOCKS proxy.
  • The Eclipse extensions allow for easy installation of 3rd party extensions.
  • Advanced security features include Kerberos or Active Directory authentication.
  • It provides an editor that supports code completion and syntax highlighting.
  • It also provides a plug-in architecture that allows users to modify much of the application's behavior to provide database-specific functionality or features that are database-independent.

What I Like/Dislike About DBeaver

Pros:

  • Quick action and easy DB management, automatic table aliases, and data viewing.
  • Reliable and has never caused any data loss issues.
  • The predictive feature is very helpful in writing queries.
  • Supports a wide range of databases, including Teradata, MSSQL, snowflake, Mysql, Oracle, Postgres, and more
  • DBeaver allows you to work with multiple databases simultaneously without changing interfaces.
  • The ssh tunneling feature makes it possible to connect to private databases that are not accessible from the internet.
  • Free open source version.

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to use for data visualization
  • UI/UX is a bit outdated
  • The software can be resource-heavy, as it is running on Java.
  • The premium version is more expensive than alternatives

DBeaver Pricing

  • Lite Edition Subscription: $10 per month
  • Lite Edition License: $99 per year
  • Enterprise Edition Subscription: $23 per year
  • Enterprise Edition License: $230 per year
  • Ultimate Edition License: $440 per year
DBeaver Pricing

4.PopSQL

Best SQL editor for collaboration

PopSQL Website

PopSQL is a modern SQL editor that makes it easy for data-focused teams to save time, improve accuracy, and get insights from data faster. With PopSQL, users can easily understand their data model, write version-controlled SQL, collaborate with live presence, visualize data in charts and dashboards, schedule reports, and more.

PopSQL is cross-platform compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, and works with a variety of databases like Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Cassandra, and more.

What I Like/Dislike About PopSQL

Pros:

  • Business users can safely customize queries by using variables.
  • PopSQL is easy to set up and use.
  • The visualisations in PopSQL are intuitive and user-friendly.
  • POPSql is a great tool for collaboration and for those who want a beautiful interface.

Cons:

  • Query latency is slow compared to connecting directly against the database.
  • Lack of supported data sources.
  • The intellisense is improving quickly but some aspects of it are still clunky.
  • Limited features, especially in terms of dashboarding and charting
PopSQL Pricing

5.DBForge

DBForge Website
DBForge Logo

dbforge is a powerful SQL editor that can connect to various database servers, including MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. It includes many features to make working with SQL easier, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and code formatting. It also includes a variety of productivity tools to help you work faster and smarter.

Learn More About DBForge

Key Features of DBForge

  • Code completion creates whole SQL statement in a few keystrokes.
  • SQL formatting lets you follow common coding style (standard).
  • T-SQL Analyzer improves quality of your code with configurable rules.
  • SQL snippets lets you create collections of repeated code fragments.
  • Database Compare and Sync allows you to compare and synchronize data and schemas, schedule regular tasks, and generate reports.
  • Import/Export Data lets you fill your MySQL databases with external data in a variety of formats.

What I Like/Dislike About DBForge

Pros:

  • The user interface is very easy to use and navigate.
  • The DB diagram helps understand the relations between tables, which can be helpful when preparing presentations.
  • Database backups, data import /export in different file formats are easy and quick.
  • The user interface is very similar to SQL Management Studio, making it easy to use for those transitioning from SQL Server to MYSQL.
  • Well-organized software, with easy entry of tables, views, queries, events, and triggers.
  • Provides great value for money

Cons:

  • The schema maintenance tool is less convenient than other tools that are used for this purpose.
  • The tool can be slow and crashy
  • Some SQL syntaxes (concat, case when ...) cannot be represented in graphic form.

DBForge Pricing

  • Standard: $179.95
  • Professional: $299.95
  • Enterprise: $399.95
DBForge Pricing

6.SQL Toolbelt

SQL Toolbelt Website
SQL Toolbelt Logo

The SQL Toolbelt Essentials gives you a set of industry-standard tools for SQL Server development, deployment, backup, and monitoring.

It is designed to help organizations standardize their SQL development practices and scale their development practices across teams. The toolbelt helps reduce manual, time-consuming work and increase productivity. Additionally, it delivers fast results with greater accuracy and helps teams work with SQL Server.

The tools include:

  • SQL Search: allows you to search through all your tables, views, stored procedures, functions, views, and jobs
  • SQL Doc: automatically documents all your objects
  • SQL Multi Script: lets you run scripts against multiple databases simultaneously
  • SQL Dependency Tracker: helps you track and fix dependencies between objects
  • SQL Prompt: This tool makes it easy to write and edit SQL code, with features like syntax highlighting and IntelliSense.
  • SQL Compare: This tool helps you manage the differences between different versions of your code, so you can avoid any problems.
Learn More About SQL Toolbelt

Key Features of SQL Toolbelt

  • Eliminates time-consuming and error-prone manual work.
  • Standardizes development practices across teams.
  • Provides all-in-one solution for managing databases.

What I Like/Dislike About SQL Toolbelt

Pros:

  • Wizards for scripting and versioning, as well as schema orientation and safeguarding of integrity.
  • SQL Compare makes deployments quick and easy, with a rollback script included as part of the process
  • The SQL Toolbelt is powerful and includes multiple utilities for both developers and non-developers
  • Helps automate SQL deployment, which makes the process smoother.

Cons:

  • The software can be quite slow on older machines.
  • The price is high compared to other software on the market.
SQL Toolbelt Pricing

7.DbVisualizer

DbVisualizer Website
DbVisualizer Logo

Dbvisualizer is a powerful, visual tool for working with databases. It offers many features, including support for many different databases, drivers, and formats.

It has a rich set of features for working with data, including the ability to view data in multiple ways, filter data, and perform complex queries. Additionally, it offers a variety of tools for working with schemas and creating diagrams of database structures.

DbVisualizer supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux/Unix operating systems.

Learn More About DbVisualizer

Key Features of DbVisualizer

  • The user interface is configurable.
  • Extended database specific support, SSH support, and table management features.
  • Monitoring of SQL history.
  • Generates diagrams and models from existing databases.

What I Like/Dislike About DbVisualizer

Pros:

  • Powerful features for a small price
  • It works with all types of databases on all operating systems.
  • Good support, even with the lower license model.

Cons:

  • The user interface could be simpler and more intuitive.

DbVisualizer Pricing

  • DbVisualizer Free: $0
  • DbVisualizer Pro with Basic support: $197
  • DbVisualizer Pro with Premium support: $229
  • DbVisualizer Pro with Basic support - Renewal: $69
  • DbVisualizer Pro with Premium support - Renewal: $99
DbVisualizer Pricing

FAQ

What is a SQL IDE?

An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a piece of software that provides a graphical interface for working with code. IDEs usually have features like code completion and syntax highlighting to help you write code more quickly and accurately.

SQL IDEs are specifically designed for working with databases. They provide features like query building and database browsing that make working with databases easier.

How to choose the best SQL IDE?

To choose the best SQL IDE for you, consider:

  • Does the SQL IDE support your database?
  • Do you need robust query-building tools?
  • Are you mostly looking for code completion and syntax highlighting?
  • Is the IDE easy to use and understand?
  • Free or paid?

What's the best SQL IDE for Mac?

The best SQL IDE for Mac is JetBrains DataGrip. It supports all major databases, has robust query-building tools, and is easy to use.

DataGrip is a paid IDE, but it offers a free trial.

What's the best free SQL editor?

The best free SQL editor is DBeaver. DBeaver is a free and open-source IDE that is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. It offers a variety of features, including code completion, code formatting, and a visual query builder. DBeaver is agnostic to the type of database being used and can be used with any database that has a JDBC driver available.

Josip Miskovic
About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

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