If you're in the world of database management, you're likely already familiar with SQL - the powerful programming language that's used to manage and manipulate data. As data volumes increase, the demand for data professionals rises. Among the most popular data management tools is SQL or Structured Query Language.
Be it data extraction, transformation, data loading or even analytics, one of the many online SQL tools can help you do it. But with so many tools on the market today, how do you know which ones are worth your time and investment? In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 popular SQL tools in the market in 2024.
If you are wondering what SQL tools are, think of it this way. You may use SQL to directly address the database. Or you may use it in an application that simplifies the process. The application then becomes an SQL tool for you. SQL tools are used to help database developers, data analysts, and data scientists write, execute, and optimize SQL queries.
Today many different SQL tools are commercially available and offer different functionalities, which makes tool selection confusing, if not challenging. We have therefore compiled an SQL tool list with features and benefits to help you make an informed choice. And if you are looking for Database training, why not reach out to a counsellor who can help you find a training course suitable to your needs?
When it comes to the selection of the best SQL tool, a lot depends on your budget and what you will be using it for. There are numerous open-source SQL tools available, along with paid ones. If you have learned SQL, you might think you do not need a tool. But SQL tools make it easier to create and develop databases, analyze data, and do much more.
Whether you are working on the cloud or your on-premise system, you’ll need to install some software for database access. If you use an online SQL tool though, all you need is a web browser to access the tool. Besides, with locally installed software, there’s the added concern about updates and compatibility. All this is taken care of by online SQL tool providers, leaving you free to focus on your work.
You and your entire team can access the online SQL tool you choose to use. This coupled with the fact that you need not fret about software maintenance, allows your team to work collaboratively on the same database and naturally drives productivity.
It is possible to implement server-based solutions even on many online SQL tools. These are solutions that are implemented on the server rather than on client nodes within a network. While many consider it prudent to implement such solutions on local servers, if your data is not too sensitive, you can implement them on the server of the tool you are using as well. This gives you the flexibility to implement the best possible solutions.
Most online SQL tools are extremely user-friendly. Even those not from an IT background can quickly learn to use them. Besides, most servers offer multi-format flexibility – that is, they allow you to view queries in colour-coded formats and export them to HTML, Excel, or PDF – which makes it simple for both technical and non-technical persons to use the tool.
With this much flexibility and a myriad of other user-friendly features, SQL tools are a cost-effective option – especially for SMBs. Moreover, many of these tools have a subscription-based model with a period of free usage, which makes them extremely budget-friendly.
Selecting the best SQL tools is not just incumbent upon the features available but also on how they align with your needs. With that thought in mind, here we go with our list of top SQL tools.
Adminer is a free, open-source database management tool that allows users to manage databases using a web interface. It is used for creating and editing tables, running queries, managing users and permissions, and performing database backups and exports.
Key Features:
Lightweight and user-friendly
Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, and MS SQL databases
Can manage multiple databases and servers
Has import/export functionality
Pros:
Easy to install and use
Provides an intuitive interface
Free and open source
Cons:
Limited features compared to other tools
It may not be suitable for large-scale projects.
Recommended for:
Small to medium-sized businesses, freelance developers, or small teams who need a simple database management tool.
DBeaver is a free and open-source database management tool that supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and more.
Key Features:
ERD (Entity Relationship Diagram) Rendering
Scripting
Table comparison across databases and schema
Environment rendering using color codes and a few other techniques
Auto-completion of SQL statements
Save, import, and export scripts
Pros:
Cross-platform support
Easy to install and use
Provides an intuitive interface
Free and open source
Cons:
May have performance issues when working with large datasets
It can be overwhelming for beginners
Limited features compared to other tools
It may not be suitable for large-scale projects
Recommended for:
Developers, data analysts, and database administrators who require an all-in-one database management tool with advanced features can use DBeaver. It is also a cost-effective option for SMBs that need an SQL tool for the IT team.
Toad for SQL Server is a database management tool specifically developed by Quest Software to help database administrators and developers manage all versions of Microsoft SQL Server databases.
Key Features:
Ability to navigate and manage specific database objects like tables and views.
Compare and sync servers, data, schema, and other components of the database
Transaction Rollback Functionality that mitigates the need for short-term backup.
Performance testing with SQL Optimizer
SQL script recall functionality mitigates the need to retype scripts.
Test scripts by executing them on multiple databases simultaneously
Create and manage your security protocol
Pros:
Offers a wide range of features for SQL Server management
Highly customizable
Offers tools for team collaboration
Good customer support
Cons:
Expensive as compared to other tools
Some users may find the interface to be outdated
Recommended for:
Large enterprises or businesses that require a comprehensive SQL Server management tool with good customer support.
Oracle SQL Developer is a free, graphical database development tool developed by Oracle to provide an integrated development environment for working with Oracle databases. It is mostly used for SQL and PL/SQL development.
Key Features:
It allows low-volume downloads – as small as 25MB. That means you can get started faster.
It supports multiple data entry formats like SQL INSERT, HTML, XML, JSON, and CSV, XML.
Script History Recall helps you reload older scripts quickly.
Flexibility to create your commands
Integrate Liquibase to manage schema versions.
Pros:
Free to use
Provides comprehensive Oracle database management features
Offers tools for PL/SQL development
Cons:
Limited support for non-Oracle databases
Recommended for:
Oracle SQL tools are free to use on Oracle. Being proprietary, they are not very suitable for other databases. Developers, DBAs, and analysts who need a wide range of tools for PL/SQL may consider using Oracle SQL Developer.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a Microsoft toolset that provides an integrated development environment for building and deploying SQL Server databases.
Key Features:
Create and develop databases in Visual Studio
Create, test, and publish SQL database projects with Transact SQL Editor
Transact SQL editor for script editing
Can be used with both cloud-based and on-premises server deployments.
Table designer to efficiently manage database tables and schema
Test every element of your database and script with unit-testing functionality
Pros:
Compatible with Visual Studio, which is a familiar project interface
Provides extensive debugging tools
Cons:
Requires Visual Studio to be installed since it does not work on other interfaces
Recommended for:
New developers not yet adept at debugging will find SSDT extremely helpful.
SSMS is an integrated SQL environment that works on most SQL tools like Access or Admirer and also on cloud infrastructure like Azure. It also works on Microsoft tools like Visual Studio – naturally since it is provided by Microsoft.
Key Features:
Offers database diagramming and query plan visualization.
Provides tools for security management and backup/restore.
Pros:
Best for server management.
Cons:
May not be suitable for non-developers.
Recommended for:
SSMS is recommended for developers who are primarily focused on server-side database management.
Studio Express is a lighter version of SSMS.
Key Features:
It's a lightweight version of SQL Server Management Studio.
Best for managing SQL Server Express.
Pros:
It's completely free.
It has a good set of tools for managing SQL Server Express.
Cons:
It's only suitable for managing SQL Server Express.
It doesn't have as many features as the full version of SQL Server Management Studio.
Recommended for:
SQL Server Management Studio Express is recommended for users who need a simple tool for managing SQL Server Express.
RazorSQL is a database administration and SQL query tool for developers, database administrators, and other database professionals. It has a wide range of functionality for working with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQLite, SQL Server, and others.
Key Features:
Plug and play for end users
Facilitates copying of queries and tables across databases
Facilitates comparison and synchronization of databases
Has a built-in SSH client for secure database connections
Pros:
Highlights syntax for a range of scripts, programming languages, and SQL interfaces including Batch, COBOL, CSS, XML, and PL/SQL
Has built-in tools for SQL operations like create, modify, update, and delete.
Supports Multi database search queries
It supports a wide range of databases and scripting interfaces
It can compare and synchronize data between databases
Cons:
There’s no free version
Recommended for:
Developers who work with multiple databases need a powerful SQL editor with advanced features.
HeidiSQL is a free and open-source graphical user interface (GUI) tool for managing and interacting with relational databases. This is one of the most versatile SQL tools and hence ranks right up there among the best.
Key Features:
List limit and sort databases.
Link and administer MariaDB/MySQL servers through SSH tunnels.
Customize views on MariaDB/MySQL servers.
Create and edit reusable procedures and functions.
International character support in editors, database trees, log panels and grids.
Edit table contents in grid format.
Compatible with various image formats like HeidiSQL displays JPEG, PNG, and PSD.
Find and Replace functionality in query editors as well as table rows.
Pros:
It's free and open source.
Cons:
It only supports a limited number of databases.
Recommended for:
It's recommended for users who need a simple, easy-to-use SQL tool for work or learning.
As the name suggests, SQLiteStudio is a no-cost, open-source database manager for SQLite databases. This cross-platform database system provides a graphical interface for data editing and managing.
Key Features:
It comes with a drag-and-drop visual editor.
It has a built-in SQL editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion.
It can generate SQL scripts and database schema diagrams.
Pros:
It has a built-in SQL editor with advanced features.
Cons:
It only supports SQLite databases.
Recommended for:
Developers who want a SQL tool with a drag-and-drop visual editor can use SQLiteStudio.
If you are looking for the best free SQL tool for students, your best bet is HeidiSQL which is free to use, open source and has great functionalities. If, however, you are a professional developer looking for special functionalities such as SQL tools for data analysis, you might want to consider other options like dbForge Studio that are more suited for your purpose.
Here are some pointers to help you find the top SQL tools for your purpose. Once you have shortlisted a few:
Research the tools and their features well to see if it is aligned with your purpose.
You can check to see if they have a free version and give it a shot first with some dummy data.
Some SQL tool providers also offer limited demo versions. Use these to test the tool.
While you are testing, evaluate all the features with dry runs using testing data.
You should also ask the provider about the kind of support they offer. For instance, whether global support is available 24x7 and whether site visits are possible to resolve significant issues.
And last but not least, check the pricing or subscription and choose a model that is most suitable for your budget.
At KnowledgeHut, we have several structured SQL online certification training courses that can help you easily navigate your way around these SQL tools.
SQL tools play a crucial role in simplifying and enhancing database management tasks for developers and database administrators. There are many different SQL tools available in the market with different functionalities. While some are easy to learn, others may be more complex. Visit the KnowledgeHut SQL online certification training page to explore options.
If you are looking for the best free SQL tools for learning SQL, you’ll find plenty online. However, the 3 most used SQL databases are MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Choices of the SQL tools are incumbent upon the specific needs and preferences of the user. Some popular options include Adminer, DBeaver, and Oracle SQL Developer, each with its own set of features and benefits.
SQL and Python serve different purposes in data analysis and management. SQL is designed for managing and querying relational databases, while Python is a general-purpose programming language. The choice between the two depends on specific needs, and a combination of both may be most effective in some cases.
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