SQL Workbench/J
SQL Workbench/J is a free, cross-platform SQL query tool for interactive or batch scripts and data import and export.
What SQL Workbench/J is
SQL Workbench/J is a free, cross-platform SQL query tool for interactive or batch scripts and data import and export. It is DBMS-independent and uses Java with JDBC, so it is expected to work with databases that provide a JDBC driver. The maker specifically lists PostgreSQL, HyperSQL, H2, Firebird, Apache Derby, Oracle 11g or later, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM Db2 LUW, and MySQL as tested. Other databases are reported to work, though not tested, and functionality may be limited with unknown databases or drivers. The tool can export text, XML, HTML, or SQL files; import text, XML, and spreadsheet data; and copy data between database servers. It also includes JSch for SSH tunneling. Graphical query building, advanced DBA work, and full development IDE use are outside its stated focus. Stable Build 132 requires Java 11 or later; the next build is stated to require Java 21. Excel export and import and OpenOffice Calc import need an optional-libraries package described as approximately 30 MB. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a Java Runtime Environment required.
Good
- Free to use for almost everyone.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Can copy data between database servers.
- Includes SSH tunneling support.
- Supports several listed, specifically tested databases.
Watch out
- Stable Build 132 requires Java 11 or later.
- Some database features may not work with unknown drivers.
- Spreadsheet support requires an optional package.
- The license excludes certain governments and related organizations.
Who it suits
SQL Workbench/J suits users who need a free SQL tool for querying, scripts, and moving data between databases. It is less suited to people seeking a full development IDE, graphical query builder, or advanced DBA tool.
Verdict
SQL Workbench/J focuses on SQL scripts and data transfer rather than serving as a full IDE or advanced DBA suite. Check database driver compatibility and the license restrictions before using it.
Plans and prices
From SQL Workbench/J's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SQL Workbench/J | Free | Free for almost everyone · modified Apache 2.0 license restricts use for certain organizations |
The facts
Each one read from SQL Workbench/J's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Additional databases
- The maker lists Pivotal Greenplum, HP Vertica, MariaDB, Informix, and SQLite as reported to work but not tested.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Database compatibility
- It primarily uses Java/JDBC and is expected to work with DBMSs that have a JDBC driver, though features may not work correctly with unknown databases or limited drivers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data transfer
- It can export text, XML, HTML, or SQL files, import text, XML, and spreadsheet data, and copy data between database servers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The site says graphical query building and advanced DBA tasks are not its focus, and it is not intended as a full development IDE.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- Stable Build 132 requires Java 11 or later, and the next build is stated to require Java 21.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License restriction
- The modified Apache 2.0 license withholds use rights from listed governments and organizations directly related to them, and says their members may not download or use the software.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SQL Workbench/J is a DBMS-independent, cross-platform SQL query tool written in Java, focused on interactive or batch SQL scripts and data import/export.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Spreadsheet support
- Excel import/export and OpenOffice Calc import require the optional-libraries package, which the downloads page describes as approximately 30 MB.checked 4 Oct 2026
- SSH
- The manual says SQL Workbench/J includes JSch to support SSH tunneling.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The manual invites users to send feedback and problem reports to [email protected] and points users to an online forum.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Tested databases
- The maker lists PostgreSQL, HyperSQL, H2, Firebird, Apache Derby, Oracle 11g or later, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM Db2 LUW, and MySQL as specifically tested.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The license provides the software as-is without warranties, and the disclaimer says to use it at the user's own risk.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Desktop platforms
- The generic package includes Linux/Unix and macOS shell scripts plus a Windows launcher; the application should run on operating systems with a Java Runtime Environment.checked 4 Oct 2026
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