Comparing SQuirreL SQL Client and DBeaver | Generated by AI
Question: Compare SQuirreL SQL Client and DBeaver
Answer:
Here is a practical comparison between SQuirreL SQL Client and DBeaver (focusing mainly on the free Community Edition of DBeaver), two popular open-source, Java-based, JDBC universal database clients.
| Aspect | SQuirreL SQL Client | DBeaver (Community) | Winner / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last major release | 4.6.0 (June 2023) | 25.x (2025, very frequent updates) | DBeaver – much more actively maintained |
| Database support | Excellent via JDBC – supports almost any database with a JDBC driver (very wide historical coverage including older/niche systems) | Excellent via JDBC + many native drivers; broader modern coverage including better NoSQL in paid version | Roughly tie (both very broad) |
| User interface | Dated / old-school look (can be improved with look-and-feel plugins) | Modern, polished, customizable (Eclipse-based but feels contemporary) | DBeaver |
| SQL editor quality | Basic syntax highlighting, code completion, bookmarks | Advanced: much better autocompletion, query plans, formatting, folding, AI-assisted code in recent versions | DBeaver |
| Visual features | Basic object tree, simple table view | ER diagrams, visual query builder, advanced data viewer/editor, mock data generation | DBeaver (far stronger) |
| Data export/import | Good, classic capabilities | Very powerful: many formats (CSV, JSON, SQL, Markdown, Excel…), bulk operations, data transfer wizard | DBeaver |
| Schema / data compare | Limited / via plugins | Built-in powerful schema & data compare & sync tools | DBeaver |
| Performance & resource usage | Usually lighter | Can be heavier (especially with many connections/tabs open) | SQuirreL (lighter), DBeaver (more features) |
| Plugin / extensibility | Strong plugin ecosystem (but many plugins are old) | Active plugin system + extensions marketplace | DBeaver (more modern ecosystem) |
| Community & momentum | Small, very slow development | Large, very active community & company backing | DBeaver |
| Learning curve | Simple for basic use, but feels outdated | Steeper at first (many features), but more rewarding | Depends on user |
| Typical users in 2025–2026 | People maintaining very old JDBC-only setups, minimalists who like lightweight Java tools | Most developers & DBAs who want one modern tool for everything | DBeaver dominates current usage |
Quick Verdict (2026 perspective)
- Choose DBeaver if you want:
- A modern-looking and actively developed tool
- Better SQL editing experience
- ER diagrams, visual tools, powerful data export/import/migration
- Frequent updates and new database/driver support
- Most people in 2025–2026 pick DBeaver
- Choose SQuirreL SQL Client if you want:
- The absolute lightest possible JDBC client
- You are working with very old/niche databases where only SQuirreL still has working plugins/drivers
- You prefer a very simple, no-frills interface and don’t need visual tools
- You already have it deeply integrated in old workflows
In almost all real-world cases today, DBeaver is the stronger and more future-proof choice. SQuirreL remains a respectable classic, but it has been largely overtaken in features, polish, and development speed.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_database_administration_tools
- https://squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io/
- https://dbeaver.io/
- https://www.beekeeperstudio.io/blog/dbeaver-alternatives-free
- https://thectoclub.com/tools/sql-editor