If you have ever worked on Backend projects, then I am sure you came across various SQL editors out there. The thing about SQL editor is that you can't find one editor that suits all of your feature requirement. Like you find one editor with better features but workflow with that tool could be terrible and vice versa.
I have been trying to find one tool with which I can make better workflow while working on my backend projects. But the struggle with them goes on.
Here are some of the tools that I have used and so far finding myself hard to choose one among all of them.
MySQL Workbench
Nothing beats MySQL workbench for working with the mysql database. I wish postgresql had similar such tool. I hope in near future workbench becomes agnostic to any SQL database. It's pretty simple tool to learn, though it's specific to the mysql on many areas of the tool and database.
Image Credit: MySQL Workbench
I still use it while working with the MySQL database. But while working with other databases like say SQLite, Postgres, it just don't work. So have to look for other tools.
DBeaver
I started using this tool after getting a lot of positive reviews about the tool from the developers who write at dev.to community. In terms of typical database operations, you can easily get the work done. If you work with startups or business that don't want to spend on license based editors, then this is the tool you can go with.
Image Credit: DBeaver
I failed to find myself using it on every project, I'll just use it for something simple like making small databases.
HeidiSQL
I tried Heidi after testing dbeaver. I found it pretty easy to use and reminds you of the phpmyadmin like feature set for the database operations. It's pretty simple to use program.
Image Credit: HeidiSQL
Why I am not using it? On a lot of points it feels too much basic interface so it's more or less suitable for the typical simple operations.
DB Browser for SQLite
I use SQLite in many small projects. In projects where I don't want to bother with setting up server with other database and make it easy for me to manage. I use DB Browser in such case because it helps me quickly establish the table design and add initial entries into it.
Image Credit: DB Browser
TablePlus
This program is both free and premium. My work with the tablet operations and connecting to both SQL and NoSQL database works out easily. Compared to HeidiSQL and dbeaver, I found the interface simple and to the point.
Image Credit: TablePlus
I am currently using the tableplus for using it with MongoDB. I think for simple mongodb or any other nosql operations, this editor is lot better to use. Paid license is a bit of expensive though, so unless you are doing freelance or paid work, you should go for it.
SQL Server Management Studio
Let me be blunt about it. Working with SQL Server Management Studio is pretty much pain. Compared to other tools, you have to download a lot of files and often the program when you wish to remove out of the system, you end up with a lot of orphan files. I just can't stand that.
Image Credit: SQL Server
But the thing is that while working with SQL Server, this tool is perfect. But I prefer not to use this database unless I am working with the .NET specific projects which is pretty much not regular for me.
It was like hopping from one tool to another for me for years. I also tried out the other tools like say Cosmos db explorer, Robomongo, and few other similar tools for working with the databases like cosmosdb, couchdb, mongodb and few others. I think working with noSQL is lot easier consider you have to work less with the table based format, and more or less JSON based content.
So far my journey of finding single tool for my workflow continues. I will continue to search which helps my workflow. For me paid tool or free tool does not matter much but I continue to search feature vs workflow balance for my routine.
What is your experience so far working with SQL Editors? Which is your favorite tool for the SQL syntax editing and working with database tables?
