Best SQL IDEs and Code Editors

Thirumoorthy

Do you want to know which tool can truly improve your SQL coding experience? When it comes to operating systems not . . .

Apr 24, 2024 11 mins read

Do you want to know which tool can truly improve your SQL coding experience?

When it comes to operating systems not every tool is suitable. That’s why it’s essential to consider the best SQL IDE for Windows and the best SQL IDE for Mac.

In this article, let us know the top 10 best free SQL IDEs and know which IDE is best for SQL.

10 Best SQL IDEs and Code Editors – Overview

Here’s an overview of the 10 best SQL IDEs and Code Editors:

S.No.	IDE Name	License Type	Platform Compatibility	Version Control Integration	Download Link
1	DBeaver	Free	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Download
2	Oracle SQL Developer	Free	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Download
3	HeidiSQL	Free/Open-Source	Windows, Accessible on other platforms via Wine	No	Download
4	DataGrip	Paid	Windows, macOS, Linux	Yes	Download
5	Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio	Free	Windows	No	Download
6	MySQL Workbench	Free	Windows, macOS, Linux	No	Download
7	SQuirreL SQL Client	Free/Open-Source	Windows, macOS, Linux	No	Download
8	Adminer	Free/Open-Source	Windows, macOS, Linux	No	Download
9	Valentina Studio	Free/Paid	Windows, macOS, Linux	No	Download
10	Toad for SQL Server	Paid	Windows	Yes	Download

Top 10 SQL IDEs for Developers

Below are the top 10 SQL IDEs for developers:

1. DBeaver

DBeaver is a comprehensive and versatile SQL database tool designed to cater to developers, analysts, and database administrators.

It offers students and educators robust data management features and a supportive learning environment with extensive documentation and tutorials.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL
PL/SQL
T-SQL

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Intuitive graphical user interface
Customizable appearance and layout

Customization Options:

Themes and color schemes
Layout and perspective adjustments
Keyboard shortcuts

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Real-time syntax checking
Visual query builder
Data visualization tools

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Step-through debugging
Breakpoints and watches
Query performance diagnostics

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

Active online forums
Regular software updates and documentation

Download Now

2. Oracle SQL Developer

Oracle SQL Developer is a free, integrated development environment that simplifies the development and management of Oracle Database in both traditional and Cloud deployments.

It provides an end-to-end development of PL/SQL applications, query tools, a DBA console, a reports interface, and more, making it particularly beneficial for students and educators.

License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL
PL/SQL
Java

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Streamlined interface for managing database objects
Dockable windows and configurable layouts

Customization Options:

Extensive preferences for personal setup
Custom snippets and templates
Plug-in support for added functionality

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Advanced syntax highlighting for SQL and PL/SQL
Data modeler with diagramming capabilities
Visualization of execution plans for performance tuning

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Integrated PL/SQL debugger
SQL trace facility
Session monitoring and tuning tools

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

Extensive documentation and user guides
Large community forums and user groups

Download Now

3. HeidiSQL

HeidiSQL is a lightweight, open-source database management tool that supports multiple database systems and is designed to simplify the creation and management of databases.

It offers students a user-friendly interface to directly interact with their databases, making it an excellent educational tool for those learning SQL and database management concepts.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
Accessible on other platforms via Wine

User Interface and Experience:

Simple and intuitive interface
Supports multiple database sessions simultaneously

Customization Options:

Customizable fonts and themes
User-defined keyboard shortcuts
Extensible with plugins

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Syntax highlighting for SQL
Tree-view for easy navigation of databases and tables
Export data and tables to graphical formats like CSV, HTML, XML

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Query profiler
Error logs
Session monitor

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Active community forums
Regular updates and bug fixes

Download Now

4. DataGrip

DataGrip is a powerful database IDE from JetBrains that supports a wide array of database systems, making it a versatile tool for database administrators, developers, and analysts.

It is especially useful for students learning database management and SQL, as it provides intelligent query assistance and allows users to connect to multiple databases with a rich set of integrated development tools.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL
PL/SQL
T-SQL
MySQL
PostgreSQL
and others

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Clean, responsive user interface designed for efficiency
Tabbed editor with customizable windows

Customization Options:

Theme customization (Light/Dark)
Configurable editor layout
Extensive plugin ecosystem supported by JetBrains

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Advanced code syntax highlighting
Smart code completion for SQL and other database languages
Data editor with filtering and sorting capabilities

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Execution log for monitoring queries
Inline query results
Database change tracking

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

Extensive documentation and learning resources
Active community forums and JetBrains support

Download Now

5. Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a comprehensive environment dedicated to managing, accessing, configuring, and developing all components of SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and SQL Data Warehouse.

It provides an integrated environment for managing any SQL infrastructure, from SQL Server to Azure SQL Database, making it a critical tool for students and professionals.

License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL
T-SQL

Platform Compatibility:

Windows

User Interface and Experience:

Highly intuitive and comprehensive management interface
Detailed wizards and dialog boxes to assist users in complex tasks

Customization Options:

Extensive options to customize the layout and settings
Ability to add or remove tool windows
Custom scripts and execution settings

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Rich text editor with syntax highlighting
Visual database diagrams
Execution plan analysis and visualization

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Step-by-step code debugging
Query performance diagnostics
Detailed error and message outputs

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Strong support through Microsoft documentation and developer forums
Regular updates and improvements

Download Now

6. MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench provides data modeling, SQL development, and comprehensive administration tools for server configuration, user administration, and much more.

It is an essential tool for those learning and managing MySQL databases, offering a graphical approach to database design and management.

License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Visual database design and modeling
Comprehensive graphical interface with drag-and-drop functionality

Customization Options:

Customizable color schemes and layout configurations
Plugin support for extended functionality

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Syntax highlighting for easier reading and writing of SQL scripts
Visual explanation of execution plans
Schema synchronization and comparison

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Performance dashboard for monitoring query performance
Audit log for tracking changes
Server health monitoring

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Extensive online documentation and user forums
Regular updates and community support

Download Now

7. SQuirrel

SQuirreL SQL Client is an open-source Java SQL client that allows users to view the structure of a JDBC-compliant database, browse the data in tables and issue SQL commands.

It’s particularly useful for students and developers working with multiple database types, as it provides a uniform interface for interaction, facilitating learning and daily tasks.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL (through JDBC)

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Multi-tabbed interface for separate SQL queries
Tree-like navigation for database exploration

Customization Options:

Plugin architecture allows for extending functionality
Customizable appearance through the look and feel settings

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Syntax highlighting for various SQL dialects
Graphs to display database schemas

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

SQL logging to track and debug SQL queries
Error highlighting and detailed error messages

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Active community forums
Regular updates and plugin support

Download Now

8. Adminer

Adminer is a compact, single-file database management tool written in PHP. It is designed to manage MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MS SQL, Oracle, and other database systems via a web interface.

Adminer is favored for its simplicity and efficiency, making it a popular choice among web developers and students who need a lightweight tool for database management.

License Type: Free/Open-Source

Supported Programming Languages:

PHP (interface)
Supports SQL for various database systems

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Simple and efficient web-based interface
Quick access to databases, tables, and SQL commands

Customization Options:

Skinnable interface with multiple CSS themes available
Customizable by editing the PHP file or creating plugins

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Basic syntax highlighting for SQL
Compact visual representation of database schemas (depends on database type)

Code Autocompletion: No

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Basic SQL command execution with error reporting

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Extensive documentation
Active community with a focus on minimalism and efficiency

Download Now

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9. Valentina Studio

Valentina Studio is a powerful database management tool that offers a rich set of features for data modeling, query building, SQL development, and server administration.

This makes it a versatile choice for database professionals, developers, and students who need advanced capabilities in database management and analysis.

License Type: Free version available / Paid Pro version with advanced features

Supported Programming Languages:

Platform Compatibility:

Windows
macOS
Linux

User Interface and Experience:

Comprehensive and intuitive graphical interface
Rich dashboard with real-time data visualization

Customization Options:

Extensive layout and UI customization options
Ability to create custom reports and forms in the Pro version

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Advanced syntax highlighting for SQL
Visual Diagram Editor for creating and modifying schema objects

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Debugging tools for SQL queries and stored procedures
Performance monitoring tools

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

Access to a dedicated support team (especially for Pro users)
Community-driven forums and extensive documentation

Download Now

10. Toad for SQL Server

Toad for SQL Server is a database management tool that enhances productivity and simplifies the database management tasks for SQL Server administrators and developers.

Toad helps users maximize their productivity and reduce risks through its comprehensive set of tools for database development, management, and data analysis.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

SQL
T-SQL

Platform Compatibility:

Windows

User Interface and Experience:

Intuitive, user-friendly interface tailored for efficiency
Multi-tabbed editor for managing multiple sessions and queries simultaneously

Customization Options:

Highly customizable interface and workspace settings
Ability to tailor toolbars and menus to user preferences

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

Advanced syntax highlighting for SQL and T-SQL
Visual query builder for constructing complex queries visually

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

Advanced debugging with step-through execution
SQL optimization tools and diagnostics

Version Control Integration: Yes, with support for version control systems like Git, SVN, etc.

Community and Support:

Extensive support resources including tutorials, documentation, and user forums
Professional support and training services are available

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the best free SQL IDEs and code editors available?

Some of the best free SQL IDEs and code editors available are:

DBeaver
HeidiSQL
SQL Server Management Studio

2. What is the key difference between SQL IDE and Code Editor?

The key difference between an SQL IDE and a Code Editor is that an SQL IDE provides a comprehensive environment including tools for database management, debugging, and data manipulation, whereas a code editor is a more generic tool that may support multiple languages but lacks advanced database-specific features.

3. What are the key features to look for in the best SQL IDEs and code editors?

The key features to look for in the best SQL IDEs and code editors include database management tools, query execution capabilities, and integration with other software development tools.

4. Can you recommend SQL IDEs that are best for beginners?

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and DBeaver are highly recommended SQL IDEs that are best for beginners.

5. Which SQL IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?

SQL IDEs that have strong community support and reliable customer service are PostgreSQL’s pgAdmin and Oracle’s SQL Developer.

6. What tools are available in SQL IDEs for debugging code?

Tools that are available in SQL IDEs for debugging code include breakpoints, step-through execution, variable inspection, and query performance analysis tools.

7. What SQL IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?

DataGrip and Visual Studio Code with SQL extensions SQL IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git.

Wrapping Up

Selecting the right SQL IDE or code editor can enhance your productivity and clarify your database development processes.

Remember, the best SQL IDE or code editor for you will depend on your specific requirements, including system compatibility, and additional features that can help in managing your database projects efficiently.