Getting Started with a SQL Client

SQL Client Setup and Use

What Is a SQL Client?

A SQL client is a software application used to connect to a database and run SQL queries. It provides an interface that lets you view tables, explore schemas, execute commands, and retrieve results from a database server. SQL clients are essential tools for those needing direct access to data for analysis, troubleshooting, reporting, or development work.

Common SQL Client Options

There are many SQL clients available, ranging from lightweight tools to advanced IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). Some widely used options include:

Cross-Database / General-Purpose Clients

• SQL Workbench/J (lightweight, free, portable)
• DBeaver (free & paid versions; full-featured, intuitive UI)
• Azure Data Studio
• SQuirreL SQL Client
• TablePlus
• DataGrip (JetBrains; paid)

Vendor-Specific Clients

• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) – SQL Server
• pgAdmin – PostgreSQL
• MySQL Workbench – MySQL
• Oracle SQL Developer – Oracle

Recommendation

For most users who need a simple, lightweight, no-install option, SQL Workbench/J is an excellent choice. It’s portable, easy to configure, works well behind VPNs, and supports most databases through JDBC drivers.
DBeaver is more full-featured, but SQL Workbench/J is often preferred for quick setup and minimal system requirements, especially when administrative privileges are limited.
Below are instructions for both SQL Workbench/J and DBeaver.

SQL Workbench/J Instructions

Requirements for Using SQL Workbench/J

To successfully connect to a database using SQL Workbench, you will typically need:

System Requirements

• A Windows, macOS, or Linux computer
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) (SQL Workbench/J requires Java)
• Sufficient user rights to run executables (no admin install required)

Access Requirements

• VPN access to the network where the database is hosted
  • VPN client installed
  • VPN login credentials
• Database credentials:
  • Hostname or IP address
  • Port number
  • Database name
  • Username
  • Password
• JDBC driver for your specific database (e.g., PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL)
  • SQL Workbench/J will prompt to load the driver if not already configured

These pieces of information typically come from your IT or DevOps team.

How to Download and Install SQL Workbench/J

SQL Workbench/J is a portable application (no traditional installation), making setup very easy.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Step 1: Download SQL Workbench/J

1. Go to the official SQL Workbench/J download site. [Note: The creator of SQL Workbench/J includes political messaging on the site. By recommending this SQL client tool, Roghnu is not thereby endorsing any political perspective.]
2. Download the generic package (ZIP file) for your operating system.

Step 2: Extract the ZIP File

1. Save the ZIP file to your computer.
2. Right-click the ZIP → Extract All.
3. Choose any folder (e.g., C:\Tools\SQLWorkbench).

No admin rights are required.

Step 3 — Install or Verify Java

SQL Workbench/J requires Java.

• If you already have Java installed, you’re all set.
• If not, download the latest OpenJDK or Oracle JRE/JDK (installation may require admin rights depending on your environment).

Step 4 — Launch SQL Workbench/J

1. Inside the extracted folder, open:
   • sqlworkbench.jar, or
   • Run SqlWorkbench64.exe (Windows convenience launcher)

Step 5 — Add the JDBC Driver

1. Download the JDBC driver for your database type (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, etc.).
2. In SQL Workbench/J:
   • Go to File → Manage Drivers
   • Click + to add a new driver
   • Browse to the downloaded .jar driver file
   • Assign a name and save

Step 6 — Create and Test a Connection Profile

1. Click Create a new connection profile
2. Enter:
   • JDBC URL
   • Username
   • Password
3. Test the connection
4. Save the profile so you don’t have to keep putting in the username and password every time you log in.
5. Click Connect
   You are now ready to run SQL queries.

Run SQL Queries

Step 1: Go to View, then click Add tab. A new tab will open where you can write your SQL query. Below are sample queries that you can use as templates:

SELECT *
FROM intacct.GLACCOUNT

SELECT *
FROM intacct.GLACCOUNT
WHERE ACCOUNTNO = 10000

SELECT *
FROM intacct.GLACCOUNT
WHERE TITLE = 'Bonus Payable'

SELECT *
FROM intacct.GLACCOUNT
WHERE TITLE like 'Prepaid%'

SELECT ACCOUNTNO
,ACCOUNTTITLE
,PERIOD
,SUM(OPENBAL) AS 'OPENBAL'
,SUM(TOTDEBIT) AS 'TOTDEBIT'
,SUM(TOTCREDIT) AS 'TOTCREDIT'
,SUM(FORBAL) AS 'FORBAL'
,SUM(ENDBAL) AS 'ENDBAL'
FROM intacct.GLACCOUNTBALANCE
WHERE ACCOUNTTITLE = 'Accounts Payable'
AND PERIOD like '%2025'
GROUP BY ACCOUNTNO, ACCOUNTTITLE, PERIOD

Step 2: Run the query by clicking the icon that looks like the Play symbol (sideways triangle) or using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + E).

Helpful Links for SQL Workbench/J:
• Common Problems
• Screenshots

DBeaver Instructions

Requirements for Using DBeaver

Install or Verify Java (If Needed)

Most recent versions of DBeaver include a bundled JRE, so you typically do not need to install Java separately.

Only install Java if:

• You are using the DBeaver Community Edition without bundled JRE, or
• Your organization uses special JDBC drivers that require an external Java installation.
  If needed, install OpenJDK or Oracle JDK.

How to Download DBeaver

Windows

1. Go to the official DBeaver download site.
2. Download the DBeaver Community Edition (free).
3. Choose either:
   • Installer (.exe) — requires admin rights, or
   • ZIP/Portable version — does not require admin rights
4. Run the installer or extract the ZIP.

macOS

1. Download the .dmg file.
2. Drag DBeaver into the Applications folder.

Linux

1. Download the .deb, .rpm, or tar.gz version.
2. Install or extract depending on your OS.

Add or Confirm JDBC Drivers

DBeaver includes most JDBC drivers automatically (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, etc.).
If your database driver is included: No action needed — DBeaver will download the driver automatically the first time you connect.

If you need to manually add a JDBC driver:

1. Open DBeaver.
2. Go to Database → Driver Manager.
3. Select your driver or click New.
4. Click Add File.
5. Browse to the .jar JDBC driver file and save.

Create and Test a Connection Profile

1. Click Database → New Database Connection, or click the New Connection button on the toolbar.
2. Select your database type (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, etc.).
3. Enter the connection details:
   • Host
   • Port
   • Database name
   • Username
   • Password
4. If required, configure:
   • SSL
   • SSH tunnels
   • Advanced parameters
5. Click Test Connection.

• If prompted, allow DBeaver to download the JDBC driver automatically.

6. Once the connection succeeds, click Finish.
7. Your database will now appear in the Database Navigator, ready for use.

You are now ready to run SQL queries.

Run SQL Queries

See “Run SQL Queries” above under SQL Workbench/J.

Helpful Links:

• Documentation (SQL Editor)
• Screenshots