13 Best SQL Editor Tools in the Market

SQL editors, or SQL integrated development environments (IDEs), are software tools for writing, editing and running SQL code and queries.

In modern computing environments, diversified database platforms are the norm. Yet the demands of effectively using enterprise data resources have made it practically impossible for companies to standardize on a single database management solution. Multi-platform environments have always been a challenge to everyone responsible for developing and maintaining corporate databases, including database administrators (DBAs) and developers. 

Team members need to be flexible and ready to move between platforms at a moment’s notice. Consolidating the toolset can go a long way toward reducing the complexity of database development in this type of environment — and this is where IDEs become imperative.

What Is an SQL Editor (IDE) and Why Do We Need It?

SQL editors, or SQL IDEs, allow database administrators and web developers to perform and execute all kinds of SQL queries. These editors also help establish a connection to your database, where you can access, control and manipulate the data.

Integrated development environments provide tight-knit components with similar user interfaces that are designed to maximize programmers’ and administrators’ productivity. IDEs present a single program in which all development and post-development processes are executed. Some of the features of SQL editors include: 

• Establishing database objects
• Defining database schema and instance
• Debugging
• Data testing
• Analysis and user management

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Best SQL Editors 

If you are an administrator or a database developer, you’ll want to know which SQL editor will work best for you. Fortunately, you’re in the right place.

We have compiled the best SQL editors and how you can make most of them:

1. DbVisualizer

DbVisualizer’s SQL editor helps streamline SQL coding and querying. Its features include auto-complete for SQL code, automatic SQL formatting, visual variables plus bookmarking and scripts. DbVisualizer also has a visual query builder tool, where users can drag and drop tables for querying into the tool and automatically generate the SQL needed to run the query.

2. DBeaver

DBeaver is a multi-platform database management tool and open-source IDE that supports almost all types of databases, including MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL and even YugaByte DB. Primarily written in Java, DBeaver is ideal if you need various SQL statements for initiating backups, ad-hoc querying or troubleshooting.

With DBeaver, you can double-click on a table and your data will be just there. You can also click on the headers of columns to sort any data and can filter the box above results to specify which columns you want to filter and how you want to filter them. Additionally, DBeaver offers ER diagrams that are concise and sufficient.

3. SQuirrel SQL

The SQuirreL SQL IDE provides a simple and user-friendly graphical interface to all types of relational databases. Since it’s built using Java, it can allow remote access to multiple databases.

SQuirrel SQL offers a copy-paste feature across different platforms, and it’s a wholesome answer to database migration generally caused by differences in syntax. Overall, SQuirrel SQL is a convenient IDE to use, and it’s a typical swing program, as well as one of the most successful swing programs available.

4. Valentina Studio

Valentina Studio is a free IDE, although it does have a premium paid version that offers extra features. It’s a universal database management tool, especially if you’re working with MySQL, but it’s also helpful with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite and other Valentina DB databases.

Its free features include schema editing and diagramming, Valentina forms, Valentina reports, server administration, SQL editing and utilities (i.e, diagnose, defragment, compress, clone, etc.).

The pro version of Valentina further adds data transfer, visual query builder, SQL DIFF and report designer features on top of compelling forward engineering diagramming.

5. Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

For years, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) was the first choice among the majority of database developers. It’s still one of the best editors in business, both because of its name brand and because of what it has to offer as a free tool. It has various add-in options, easy installation, advanced user experience and is free.

6. DataGrip

DataGrip enables cross-platform SQL editing for over 25 relational and NoSQL databases. This tool features code history, code completion, multi-format import and exports, bug detection and more when writing SQL. Additionally, DataGrip offers an AI assistant to help explain code and generate queries from natural language requests.

7. PopSQL

PopSQL is a collaborative SQL editor for users to work on SQL queries at the same time. Queries in PopSQL are all centralized, where collaborators can connect databases, see schemas and edit real-time code in a single location. PopSQL’s features also include code autocomplete, version history, query variables and in-app data visualizations.

8. Adminer

Adminer will always be a solid choice for developers. With Adminer, you get better support for MySQL features, a tidier user interface, more security and higher performance.

Ever since its inception, Adminer has prioritized security as its main component. It doesn’t allow users to connect to other databases without a password, and it rate-limits connection attempts to protect against brute-force attacks. 

You can also quickly delete Adminer if you do not need it anymore. Unlike many other IDEs, Adminer is just one file that makes it easy to upload and delete as you need.

9. RazorSQL

RazorSQL is another efficient IDE with syntax highlighting and additional administration capabilities.

RazorSQL also has a built-in database browser where you can view all the elements of a database as schemes, tables and functions to make it easier to manage. Furthermore, RazorSQL offers a table creation tool that is very helpful in generating SQL for tables. It also supports more than 20 different languages including SQL, PHP, XML and Java, plus is available for Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

RazorSQL is not a free tool — however, it does offer a free trial, where you can see if it works for you before buying the licensed version.

10. HeidiSQL

HeidiSQL is a free, open-source SQL editor that supports various database systems like MariaDB, MySQL, Microsoft SQL, PostgreSQL and more. The tool can be used to create and edit SQL tables, as well as write queries with customizable syntax and code completion, among other features. HeidiSQL can also connect to multiple servers in one window via command line or SSH tunneling.

11. MySQL Workbench

Another primary IDE to use is MySQL Workbench. MySQL is one of the one of the top IDEs with loads of valuable features, enabling users to to visually model, design, generate and manage databases.

MySQL Workbench includes almost everything a database manager ever needs for forward and reverse engineering and creating complex ER models. MySQL Workbench also offers key features for performing complicated documentation and change management tasks that are generally tiring and time-taking.

12. Oracle SQL Developer

Oracle SQL Developer is a complete tool for database users and administrators to manage their database tasks in less time and with less effort.

Primarily a productivity tool, Oracle’s SQL Developer also helps users save time and maximize their return on investment in their database technology stack. 

It is also one of the many free IDEs that offers complete end-to-end development of your SQL applications. On top of that, it’s a fantastic worksheet for running scripts and queries. And if you’re a DBA, an excellent console for managing the database with an amicable reports interface.

13. dbForge Studio

DbForge Studio for MySQL is a widely used IDE for the development and administration of MariaDB and MySQL databases. It comes with a toolset that helps create and execute queries, development and debugging routines and automating database object management in a very convenient environment.

If we consider the most effective options of dbForge Studio, we can list them in the following order:

• MySQL debugger
• Query builder
• Query profiler
• Data and schema compare
• SQL code completion and formatting
• Advanced data import/export
• Connecting with different servers simultaneously
• Full database user management

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Other SQL Editor Tools to Know

• Beekeeper Studio
• DB Comparer
• DbGate
• Jdoodle Online SQL Editor
• PHPMyAdmin
• SQL Fiddle
• SQLGate
• TablePlus
• Toad for SQL Server
• Visual Expert

The increasing popularity of MySQL means that everyone needs effective, convenient and affordable database tools to work with it.

However, as a DBA, your goal shouldn’t be to access as many clients as possible, but to choose one that offers a wholesome solution.

Frequently Asked Questions