SQuirreL SQL Client
SQuirreL SQL Client is a free Java desktop application for viewing database structure, browsing table data and issuing SQL commands.
What SQuirreL SQL Client is
SQuirreL SQL Client is a free Java desktop application for viewing database structure, browsing table data and issuing SQL commands. It connects through JDBC, so it can work with databases that have a compatible driver; most drivers are not bundled and may need to be obtained from database vendors. Its editor provides completion for database objects and SQL terms, and can generate JOIN syntax from foreign keys. Query result tabs allow editing rows returned from a query on a single table, and results can be exported to Microsoft Excel. Java plugins extend the client, with repository plugins included in the installer. Available examples include Excel or CSV imports, table graphing, schema refactoring and cross-database queries. Installers are offered for Windows, Linux and macOS. Version 5.1.0 requires Java 17 or later and highlights enhanced encryption for Alias passwords. The project has been released under the GNU Lesser General Public License since version 1.1beta2. Usage and developer questions are directed to mailing lists, which require subscription to post.
Good
- Free Java desktop application.
- Editor completes database objects and SQL terms.
- Result tabs can edit rows from single-table queries.
- Plugins include imports, graphs and cross-database queries.
Watch out
- Most JDBC drivers are not included.
- Version 5.1.0 requires Java 17 or later.
- Posting to mailing lists requires subscription.
Who it suits
SQuirreL SQL Client may suit people who want a desktop Java client for JDBC-connected databases and SQL work. It is worth considering if you need query result editing, Excel export or plugin extensions.
Verdict
SQuirreL combines database browsing, SQL editing and plugin-based extensions in a free desktop client. Confirm driver availability and Java requirements for your setup before using it.
Plans and prices
From SQuirreL SQL Client's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SQuirreL SQL Client | Free | Java desktop application · JDBC drivers may need to be obtained separately |
The facts
Each one read from SQuirreL SQL Client's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI integration
- The latest snapshot announced on the site offers MCP server functionality for AI tools to access SQuirreL sessions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Cross database queries
- The Multisource plugin supports queries across databases, cross database updates and synchronization, data virtualization, and SQL dialect and function translation.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Database connections
- SQuirreL uses JDBC drivers to connect to databases, and the FAQ says it should work in theory with any DBMS that has a JDBC 2.0 driver.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Database connectivity
- It can work with databases that have a compatible JDBC driver, which users may need to obtain from the database vendor.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Data import
- The optional Data Import plugin imports Excel or CSV data into a database.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Driver availability
- The project says most database drivers are not included because they are proprietary and vendors generally require users to download them directly.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Editable results
- Query result tabs support editing rows returned from a query on a single table.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Java plugins extend the application, and plugins from its repository are included in the installer.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extensible
- Its functionality can be extended with Java plugins, and plugins in the project repository are included in the installer.checked 9 Oct 2026
- External data disclosure
- The optional SQL Validator plugin sends SQL to a Mimer SQL web service for validation and stores validated SQL anonymously for use by the ISO SQL Standards committee.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Graphing
- The Graph plugin can create and print charts of database tables and their foreign key relations, and supports query building with SQL generation.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- The 5.1.0 release requires at least Java 17.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project says it has been released under the GNU Lesser General Public License since version 1.1beta2.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Operating systems and Java
- The project provides installers for Windows, Linux, and MacOS, and says SQuirreL 5.1.0 requires at least Java 17.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Password security
- The 5.1.0 feature highlights include enhanced security for encrypting Alias passwords.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Plugin examples
- Available plugins include data import from Excel or CSV, table graphing, schema refactoring, and cross-database queries.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SQuirreL is a graphical Java client for viewing JDBC database structure, browsing table data, and issuing SQL commands.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Result editing
- Query result tabs support editing rows returned from a query on a single table.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- Version 5.1.0 highlights enhanced security for encrypting Alias passwords.checked 9 Oct 2026
- SQL editor
- The editor offers code completion for database objects and SQL terms, and can generate JOIN syntax from foreign keys.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its mailing lists for usage questions and developer discussion; posting requires subscription.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Installers are offered for Windows, Linux and other systems, and a separate installer is offered for MacOS.checked 9 Oct 2026
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