What are the essential SQL tools for developers?

A reliable SQL editor is crucial for writing and editing SQL queries. It often includes features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and query execution. Popular SQL editors include SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), DBeaver, and MySQL Workbench.

Toad for Oracle by Quest Software is one of the best SQL Editor for Oracle DB, good help content, allows multiple active DB connections, can connect as SYS user too. We can explore DB Schema, view all kinds of DB objects within the software and see query time too. Best part is the ability to export result dataset in different formats.

IMHO, Documentation is the number one important thing in coding and Formatting of code comes a close second. A well-written, properly formatted code is much easier to read and understand. Whenever we write code, think long-term. Many a times, we see existing old code and wonder what is going on in the code. Keep this in mind and code such that even years later, we can make sense with our own code. Formatting code goes a long way.

SQL formatters helps in maintaining clean and readable code by automatically formatting SQL queries according to standard conventions. Tools like SQL Formatter Online and Redgate SQL Prompt are widely used.

Debuggers allow developers to step through their SQL code, inspect variables, and understand the flow of execution to identify and fix issues. Some advanced SQL editors come with built-in debugging features.

Profilers are used to monitor and analyze SQL query performance. They help in identifying slow-running queries, deadlocks, and other performance bottlenecks. Examples include SQL Server Profiler and the PostgreSQL pgAdmin tool.

SQL generators create SQL scripts automatically based on database schema or data models. This can save time and reduce human error. Tools like SQLFiddle and dbForge Studio offer SQL generation features.

Generating documentation for your database schema and queries can improve collaboration and maintainability. Tools like SchemaSpy and Redgate SQL Doc help in creating comprehensive SQL documentation.

In my experience, no matter what tools use, the best documentation is the one that we write keeping ourselves in mind. Think of it this way, what would I like to see in the documentation that would be helpful to me when I revisit the code a few years down the line. Or even better, think of it this way, suppose this code is someone else's, what documentation would be most helpful to understand the code. Spending time in adding details to the documentation will save lot of time at a latter stage.