DBeaver: Database Management Tool with Kevin Bell

Mike Wolfe -

A free, open-source database tool that puts advanced SQL Server Management Studio-like features within reach of every Access developer.

Kevin Bell shared his experience with DBeaver, a powerful cross-platform database management tool, at a recent Access Pacific user group presentation. The tool offers a comprehensive set of features for working with multiple database platforms, including Microsoft Access and SQL Server, with particular emphasis on its superior entity relationship diagramming (ERD) capabilities.

Whether you're trying to understand an inherited database's structure or looking for a more flexible alternative to Access's relationship window, this presentation demonstrates why DBeaver deserves a spot in your development toolkit.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Support

  • Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Supports multiple database types (Access, SQL Server, MySQL, etc.)
  • Free community edition with robust feature set
  • Paid "Pro" version available with additional features

Database Navigation

  • Tree-view interface for exploring database objects
  • Easy access to tables, views, and schemas
  • Built-in data viewer with filtering capabilities
  • Value panel shows related data for foreign keys

ERD Capabilities

  • Create multiple diagrams (unlike Access's single relationship window)
  • Automatic relationship detection and visualization
  • Custom layout options with zoom and pan controls
  • Ability to save different views of database relationships

SQL Features

  • SQL editor with syntax highlighting
  • Query builder functionality
  • Results grid with data editing capabilities
  • Schema comparison tools

Implementation Details

ERD Creation

  • Generate full database diagrams automatically
  • Create custom diagrams by selecting specific tables
  • Add virtual relationships between databases
  • Include annotations and notes in diagrams

Data Viewing

  • Grid and record views available
  • Filter and sort capabilities
  • Value panel shows related data
  • Generate SQL scripts for data modifications

Schema Management

  • View table definitions and properties
  • Compare schemas between databases
  • Generate DDL scripts
  • Create and modify database objects

Practical Applications

Database Analysis

  • Quickly understand inherited database structures
  • Visualize relationships between tables
  • Document database designs
  • Compare schema differences

Development Tasks

  • Write and test SQL queries
  • Modify data directly in the grid
  • Generate scripts for deployment
  • Create and modify database objects

Conclusion

DBeaver provides a powerful, free alternative to expensive database management tools while offering features that surpass the built-in capabilities of both Access and SQL Server Management Studio. Its ability to work with multiple database platforms and create flexible ERD diagrams makes it particularly valuable for Access developers who work with various database backends.

Recording

The full recording is available on YouTube:

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  • Share your own experiences and challenges
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  • Participate in group discussions

With multiple user groups across different time zones (and languages!), you're sure to find a meeting time that works for your schedule.

Acknowledgements

  • Base cover image generated by FLUX-schnell
  • Initial draft generated by Claude-3.5-Sonnet