HeidiSQL
A lightweight client for managing MariaDB, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase and Firebird, written in Delphi
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A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Quick Overview
HeidiSQL is a free and open-source database management tool for MySQL, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. It provides a user-friendly interface for database administration, query execution, and data manipulation, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and experienced database professionals.
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux via Wine)
- Supports multiple database systems
- User-friendly interface with intuitive features
- Free and open-source
Cons
- Limited advanced features compared to some commercial alternatives
- No native support for macOS
- Performance may degrade with very large databases
- Limited plugin ecosystem
Getting Started
- Download HeidiSQL from the official website: https://www.heidisql.com/download.php
- Install the application by running the downloaded executable
- Launch HeidiSQL and click "New" to create a new session
- Enter your database connection details (host, username, password)
- Click "Open" to connect to your database
- Start managing your database using the HeidiSQL interface
Note: HeidiSQL is primarily a GUI tool, so there are no code examples or quick start instructions in the traditional sense. Users interact with databases through the graphical interface rather than writing code directly.
Competitor Comparisons
Modern and easy to use SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
Pros of Beekeeper Studio
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Modern, user-friendly interface with dark mode
- Built-in query editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion
Cons of Beekeeper Studio
- Limited database support compared to HeidiSQL
- Fewer advanced features for database management
- Relatively new project with a smaller community
Code Comparison
HeidiSQL (Delphi):
procedure TMainForm.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
Caption := APPNAME + ' ' + AppVersion;
SetMainIcon(Self);
// Additional initialization code
end
Beekeeper Studio (JavaScript/Vue.js):
export default {
name: 'App',
created() {
this.$store.dispatch('initializeApp')
// Additional initialization code
}
}
Both projects use different programming languages and frameworks, making direct code comparison challenging. HeidiSQL is primarily written in Delphi, while Beekeeper Studio uses JavaScript with Vue.js for its user interface. The code snippets show initialization procedures for each application, demonstrating the different approaches to setting up the main application window and initializing core functionality.
Free universal database tool and SQL client
Pros of DBeaver
- Supports a wider range of database systems, including NoSQL databases
- More advanced features for data analysis and visualization
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Cons of DBeaver
- Steeper learning curve due to more complex interface
- Slower startup time and potentially higher resource usage
- Some advanced features require the paid Enterprise edition
Code Comparison
HeidiSQL (SQL query):
SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 18 ORDER BY last_name;
DBeaver (SQL query with visual query builder):
SELECT u.*
FROM users u
WHERE u.age > 18
ORDER BY u.last_name
Both HeidiSQL and DBeaver are powerful database management tools, but they cater to different user needs. HeidiSQL is lightweight, fast, and focuses primarily on MySQL, MariaDB, and Microsoft SQL Server. It's ideal for users who need a straightforward, efficient tool for these specific databases.
DBeaver, on the other hand, offers support for a broader range of database systems and provides more advanced features for data analysis and visualization. It's better suited for users who work with multiple database types or require more sophisticated data management capabilities.
While both tools allow for SQL query execution, DBeaver's visual query builder can be helpful for complex queries. However, this added functionality comes at the cost of a more complex interface and potentially higher resource usage.
MySQL/MariaDB database management for macOS
Pros of Sequel Pro
- Mac-native application with a polished, user-friendly interface
- Offers a visual query builder for easier SQL construction
- Supports SSH tunneling for secure remote database connections
Cons of Sequel Pro
- Limited to MySQL databases, unlike HeidiSQL's support for multiple database types
- Development has slowed down, with less frequent updates compared to HeidiSQL
- Lacks some advanced features found in HeidiSQL, such as extensive export options
Code Comparison
HeidiSQL (Delphi):
procedure TMainForm.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
Caption := APPNAME + ' ' + AppVersion;
SetMainForm(Self);
InheritFont(Font);
end
Sequel Pro (Objective-C):
- (void)awakeFromNib
{
[super awakeFromNib];
[self setWindowFrameAutosaveName:@"SPWindowMain"];
[self setupToolbar];
}
Both projects use different programming languages due to their target platforms. HeidiSQL is written in Delphi for Windows, while Sequel Pro uses Objective-C for macOS. The code snippets show initialization methods for the main application window, highlighting the platform-specific approaches each project takes.
A web interface for MySQL and MariaDB
Pros of phpMyAdmin
- Web-based interface accessible from any browser without installation
- Supports a wider range of database operations and management tasks
- More extensive documentation and larger community support
Cons of phpMyAdmin
- Slower performance, especially with large databases
- Requires a web server and PHP to run
- Can be more complex to set up and configure
Code Comparison
phpMyAdmin (PHP):
<?php
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['host'] = 'localhost';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['user'] = 'root';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['password'] = '';
$cfg['Servers'][$i]['auth_type'] = 'cookie';
HeidiSQL (Pascal):
procedure TMainForm.ConnectToDatabase;
begin
Connection.Server := 'localhost';
Connection.Username := 'root';
Connection.Password := '';
Connection.Connect;
end;
Both projects aim to provide database management tools, but they differ in their approach and implementation. phpMyAdmin offers a web-based solution with broader functionality, while HeidiSQL provides a native Windows application with a focus on simplicity and performance. The code snippets demonstrate the different languages used (PHP vs Pascal) and the contrasting approaches to database connection configuration.
A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Pros of sqlectron-gui
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Support for multiple database types (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.)
Cons of sqlectron-gui
- Less mature and feature-rich compared to HeidiSQL
- Smaller community and fewer updates
- Limited advanced features for database management
Code Comparison
HeidiSQL (Delphi):
procedure TMainForm.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
begin
InitializeComponents;
LoadSettings;
ConnectToDatabase;
end
sqlectron-gui (JavaScript/React):
componentDidMount() {
this.initializeApp();
this.loadConfigurations();
this.connectToDatabase();
}
Both projects use different programming languages and frameworks, reflecting their design philosophies. HeidiSQL is built with Delphi, focusing on native Windows performance, while sqlectron-gui uses JavaScript and React for cross-platform compatibility.
HeidiSQL offers a more comprehensive set of features for MySQL and MariaDB, including advanced query tools and database administration capabilities. It has a larger user base and more frequent updates.
sqlectron-gui provides a modern, cross-platform solution with a clean interface. It supports multiple database types but may lack some advanced features found in HeidiSQL.
Choose HeidiSQL for a feature-rich MySQL/MariaDB tool on Windows, or sqlectron-gui for a cross-platform solution with multi-database support and a modern interface.
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HeidiSQL
HeidiSQL is a graphical interface for managing MariaDB or MySQL servers, Microsoft SQL databases, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Interbase or Firebird. "Heidi" lets you browse and edit data, create and edit tables, views, procedures, triggers and scheduled events. Also, you can export structure and data, either to SQL file, clipboard or to other servers. Read about features or see some screenshots.
Need help?
Look at the online help page to learn how to use HeidiSQL. The forum is meant to ask questions. The issue tracker is the place to report bugs or request new features.
Building
For compiling on platforms other than Windows, look at the lazarus
branch.
Delphi 12.1 is required for building HeidiSQL for Windows. Older Delphi versions will most likely fail; newer Delphi versions may work or fail. Unfortunately, Lazarus or one of the other free compilers cannot currently compile HeidiSQL.
Once Delphi is installed, you need to load the SynEdit project from the components folder. Build both run-time and design-time packages. Install the design-time package. Do the same for the VirtualTree component project, and install madExcept.
Afterwards, load the HeidiSQL project from the packages folder.
Translation
If you'd like to contribute by translating HeidiSQL into your mother tongue, you need to register at Transifex, and join an existing language or request a new one.
Contributing to HeidiSQL
- Pull requests will only be accepted for bugfixes. No new features please.
- Please mention a ticket id in your pull request. If there is no ticket for that particular bug yet, go and create an issue request first, and fill out all fields of the issue template.
- To become a developer member, ask Ansgar via email (see https://www.heidisql.com/imprint.php for email address)
Icons8 copyright
Icons added in January 2019 into a TImageCollection
component are copyright by Icons8. Used with a special permission from Icons8 given to Ansgar for this project only. Do not copy them for anything else other than building HeidiSQL.
Top Related Projects
Modern and easy to use SQL client for MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, and more. Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
Free universal database tool and SQL client
MySQL/MariaDB database management for macOS
A web interface for MySQL and MariaDB
A simple and lightweight SQL client desktop with cross database and platform support.
Convert
designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot