How do you look inside your app’s database?
Use a client that supports your database. Start with a test copy containing made-up records and a login that can only read the data you need.
When do you need a separate database client?
If the dashboard you already have can show the table and columns you need, start there. Add a client when you need a query, an export or a closer look at how the tables fit together. A client connects to your existing database.
Find out what kind of database your app uses before picking a client. A diagram describes tables and their relationships. Check whether a diagram tool can also connect to or modify a database before using it.
How can you tell a test copy from customer data?
Ask for the exact host and database name of an isolated test copy that contains only made-up records. Use a database login permitted to read the intended tables only. Check the destination and the permissions before connecting. A friendly label such as Test cannot verify either.
For a local database file, verify the file path and that the copy has no real customer rows. If you cannot establish the target, data or permissions, stay with a sketch.
Compare tools
Scroll the table sideways to read every column.
| Tool | Which databases fitThe kinds of databases the client can open. | What you connectWhich destination and connection choice you need to check. | What you can exportThe results or objects you can keep outside the client. | What affects costThe client license, edition or deployment to check. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBeaver | Community supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite and other drivers. | Choose the driver and verify the test destination and restricted account. | Export table data or query results. Check formats by edition. | Free Apache-2.0 Community edition. Compare paid editions for additional options. |
| TablePlus | Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite and other databases. | Verify the actual saved connection details. Safe Mode prompts are a separate safeguard. | Export tables, views or query results to formats such as CSV. | Free version has limits. Paid device licenses include a year of updates. |
| pgAdmin | A client for PostgreSQL administration. | Use desktop or a separately hosted instance and verify the database credentials. | Save Query Tool results as CSV. Backup is a separate workflow. | Free under the PostgreSQL licence. Supply hosting if you deploy a server. |
| DB Browser for SQLite | Local SQLite or SQLCipher files. | Open a disposable copy and verify the file path. | Save tables as CSV or export a database as a SQL dump. | Open-source desktop application. |
| MongoDB Compass | MongoDB collections of records called documents. | Connect to the test database with a database-enforced read-only login. | Export collection data as JSON or CSV. Recovery uses a separate backup. | Free client. MongoDB hosting has separate terms. |
| Redis Insight | Redis keys, including temporary cache values. | Verify the test Redis destination and what its credentials allow. | Inspect individual values. Plan a whole-database backup with the Redis service. | Free client. The Redis service has its own cost. |
| DataGrip | PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite and other supported databases. | Verify the exact test server and reader role, or the path to an isolated SQLite copy. | Export selected data separately from table structure. | Free individual non-commercial license, 30-day trial, and paid commercial use. |
| Beekeeper Studio | Community supports PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite. | Check the real test destination or local test file path. | Export selected results or a table view. Confirm the result count and edition. | Free Community and paid editions with different database and feature coverage. |
| dbdiagram.io | Plans table structure without opening database records in this workflow. | Write DBML or import approved SQL definitions. Review sharing before sending a link. | Keep editable DBML, an image or generated SQL for a supported database. | Free lists up to ten diagrams and doc projects and includes private mode. |
| Sequel Ace | MySQL and MariaDB on supported versions of macOS. | Verify the test host and database, using a restricted reader login. | Export query or filtered results as CSV. SQL export for selected tables is separate. | The Mac App Store lists the desktop app as free. |
What should a small export contain?
Pick the columns and rows your next task needs. A CSV is a spreadsheet-friendly file of selected data. Open it after export and check the columns and row count before using or sending it.
The exported file needs its own access controls. A data export can be useful for a report. Use a database backup and verified restore when the goal is recovery.
How can you rehearse a first look without connecting?
Draw a fictional order table with three rows and no real account or connection. Give each row an order number, amount and status.
- Mark the test boundaryWrite a separate test host and database name and mark the login read-only. Keep the customer database outside the exercise.
- Choose a small resultCircle the two fictional rows marked Paid. Pick order number and amount for the result.
- Check the fileDraw a CSV with exactly two data rows and two columns. Keep any actual export in a place you control.