In the database ecosystem, Postgres is one of the top open-source databases, and one of the most widely used PSQL tools for managing PostgreSQL is pgAdmin. To run PostgreSQL instances on the Azure cloud, Azure offers Azure Database for PostgreSQL. We must learn how to build an instance of the Azure Database for the PostgreSQL client tool. Let’s learn how to connect to the Azure Database for PostgreSQL instance using the PSQL tool. After establishing a connection, the next step is to learn the fundamental commands, syntax, and practices for working with PSQL to begin using this tool.
PSQL certification course from KnowledgeHut will help you to have a better insight into PostgreSQL Tools.
What are PostgreSQL Tools?
PostgreSQL is one of the most popular database management systems in the world, with developers using it for a wide range of applications, from enterprise to personal.
PostgreSQL GUI is a database administration tool that allows users of the open-source PostgreSQL database to query, display, and analyze Postgres data. With these GUI tools, PostgreSQL deployment administration is simple. You may access and investigate your database servers with a Postgres GUI as well.
Why Use a GUI Tool?
The conventional command line tools PostgreSQL are used to interact with databases and are replaced with PostgreSQL GUI tools.
The CLI demands a steep line curve to maximize the potential of the database.
Sometimes the information on a console's display is not clear enough for you to understand.
GUI tools simplify using a console to browse and monitor databases.
PostgreSQL developers' life is made easier with the use of GUI tools.
GUI shortcuts make work easier and faster.
The majority of Postgres GUIs have a far reduced learning curve, making them considerably easier to understand for new users.
GUIs provide a wide range of alternatives for data visualization for improved comprehension.
GUIs make it simple to access databases and traverse servers from a distance.
It has easier access to the operating system, files, and functions.
Top PostgreSQL Tools for Developers
When looking for a GUI for database management, you'll probably come across the well-known GUI tool pgAdmin. However, a quick internet search and a bit of investigation might turn up several additional GUI options for Postgres management.
Let's examine some of the most popular GUI tools you may use right now in more detail:
For Postgres users, the PgAdmin PSQL tool is one of the most used GUIs. pgAdmin is an open-source database GUI, much like DataBeaver, and runs as a web application. It may be set up to operate on any cloud server and be accessed from any computer running PostgreSQL client tools for Windows, Linux, or macOS. It also supports exporting CSV files, unlike many other client tools for PostgreSQL. The PgAdmin tool can be used by learners or experienced DBAs (Database Administrators) and developers for database administration.
Features:
PgAdmin is made simple for database administrators level users via the online application.
All of PostgreSQL's functionalities are supported by PgAdmin, which is now on its fourth major version, pgAdmin4.
Pros:
Cons:
2. OmniDB
Next, we will learn about OmniDB, which is also a PostgreSQL GUI tool. With OmniDB, you can add, edit, and manage all the required features in a single workspace. Even though OmniDB supports other database architectures like MySQL, Oracle, and MariaDB, PostgreSQL is its main focus. The main sponsor of this open-source utility is 2ndQuadrant. All three of the major operating system, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X are supported by OmniDB.
Features:
It is simple to set up simply adding and removing connections, and when remote connections are required, you can use encrypted connections.
The smart SQL editor assists you in writing SQL codes, through features like syntax highlighting and autocomplete.
Pros:
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3. Postico
For Mac users who deal with PostgreSQL databases, Postico provides a top-tier SQL editor and query interface. Postico, created by Egger Apps, is the quickest and easiest way to operate a PostgreSQL GUI on Mac computers. Additionally, they provide Jetread, a PSQL tool that allows you to read access files from the PSQL command line tool, and TableTool, an open-source CSV editor. Postico can be used by business analysts, software developers, business owners in varied industries like healthcare, finance, and marketing to design new databases, data entries, importing CSV datasets and more.
Features:
Writing queries is made simple and fluid by Postico's syntax highlighting, multiple result sets, automated indenting, and auto-suggest for column names.
A strong emphasis on usability and meaningful feature design
Pros:
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4. DataGrip
DataGrip is a cross-platform Integrated Development Environment (IDE) by JetBrains (creators of IntelliJ, PyCharm, and so on). It may therefore be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. It is not a web program like PgAdmin or Navicat and may be used locally like VSCode, Spotify, or RStudio. DataGrip is an excellent tool used by developers, DBAs (Database Analysts), and data analysts to enhance their work quality in a shorter period.
Features:
If you rename a variable or an object, an advanced refactoring process automatically resolves all references
DataGrip is a full-featured IDE with capabilities like version control systems
Pros:
Cons:
5. Navicat
Navicat is a GUI for MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MongoDB. It has a very user-friendly GUI, which is to be expected from software that makes communicating with databases easier.
Because it is a paid tool, it can provide more features than an open-source GUI tool.
Collaboration with well-known cloud databases like Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Cloud, and others is a unique feature of the PSQL tools.
Data can be imported and exported in a variety of formats, including Excel, Access, CSV, and others.
Features:
There are only three lines of terminal commands needed to install Navicat in Ubuntu. It is simple to set up, has immense functionality, and is an excellent option for teamwork. By using Navicat's job scheduler, you can quickly increase team productivity for the SQL your team writes.
You may visualize database structures and create schemas using Navicat's robust data modeling tool by referring to a Database course online.
Pros:
Navicat Cloud, which guarantees quick access to data sources and team collaboration.
Features Job Scheduler, which is designed to boost your team's output
Cons:
6. HeidiSQL
The active community of contributors is constantly improving HeidiSQL, a small, free open-source GUI that enables you to manage tables, logs, and users, change data, views, procedures, and scheduled events. In addition to MySQL, HeidiSQL has since been developed to work with MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and MariaDB. HeidiSQL is a reliable tool for web developers who utilize other tools like MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MySQL servers.
Features:
Produces excellent SQL exports and allows you to export directly from one server/database to another.
Offers a convenient grid to explore and modify table data as well as to execute bulk table adjustments like moving a table to a database or changing the engine.
Pros:
Easy installation
Free to use
Cons:
7. TablePlus
With TablePlus, you can manage both SQL and NoSQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB. The UI of TablePlus is a simple UI. It may be utilized for a variety of storage systems, making it even more beneficial if you work with other platforms besides Postgres, such as Redis. Business owners and business managers can use TablePlus to manage various relational databases, such as SQLite, MySQL, and more.
Features:
You may utilize a nice, customizable UI without having to install Mojave
Supports multiple backends, including Linux, Mac, and Windows
Pros:
Data browsing, querying, and editing UI that is clear and user-friendly
Numerous user-friendly security features
Cons:
8. SQuirreL SQL
SQuirreL SQL is a Java program that may be used to browse databases' contents, view their structures, and execute SQL commands. It supports a wide variety of databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
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9. DBeaver
Similar to PgAdmin, DBeaver is open source. However, it does support various kinds of databases, including Navicat. Additionally, DBeaver has an enterprise version that offers cutting-edge productivity plugins. DBeaver can be used to import and export data from a wide range of file formats, including CSV, JSON, HTML, XML, XLS, and XLSX, on all popular operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS. DBeaver is an open-source data management useful for administrators and developers.
Features:
The fact that DBeaver runs as a desktop application is its strongest feature, at least for novices (at least in comparison to the other GUIs). The left-side menu makes it simple to locate database objects, and it is simple to connect to my local Postgres database.
Due to its open-source nature, DBeaver offers both free and paid alternatives. Start with a free, deadline-free DBeaver and upgrade to a paid tier if your organization's demands change, this is an easy-to-sell notion.
Pros:
Without having any prior understanding of SQL, you may create complicated SQL queries with the aid of a visual query builder.
It offers one of the greatest editors, with a range of data views available to accommodate different user needs.
Cons:
Desktop version
Too frequent updates
Which PostgreSQL Tool is the Best?
PostgreSQL is typically started with pgAdmin. The community offers assistance and resources to you if you run into problems. Most developers do not search for additional GUI solutions because pgAdmin meets their demands. Because of this, pgAdmin continues to be the most often used GUI tool.
Final Thoughts
We discussed a few of PostgreSQL's GUI tools in this article, along with their features, benefits, and drawbacks. Relational database management system PostgreSQL is open-source and cost-free, with a focus on SQL conformance and extensibility. One of the most popular open-source database tools worldwide, PostgreSQL has been under active development for more than 30 years. You can learn more about PostgreSQL tools with the help of KnowledgeHut’s PSQL course. The course offers extensive knowledge about the essential PostgreSQL tools.