Overview
dbForge Studio is a family of commercial Windows IDEs from Devart, each tailored to a single database engine. Rather than one universal client, Devart sells dbForge Studio for SQL Server, for MySQL and MariaDB, for Oracle and for PostgreSQL, so each edition can go deep on its target platform.
Every edition bundles a full development environment: a SQL editor with code completion and formatting, a visual query builder for building statements without writing SQL by hand, schema and data comparison and synchronization tools, a debugger, and reporting and data import and export wizards. It is a Windows only product, and the price is a per engine commercial license.
Key features
- Visual query builder for composing statements without hand writing SQL
- SQL editor with code completion, formatting and refactoring
- Schema and data comparison and synchronization between databases
- Debugger for stored procedures, functions and triggers
- Data import and export, reporting and data generation tools
- Separate editions tuned for SQL Server, MySQL and MariaDB, Oracle and PostgreSQL
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rich, feature dense IDE that rivals bigger name tools
- Excellent schema and data compare and sync workflows
- Strong visual query builder and formatting tools
- Deep, engine specific features in each dedicated edition
Cons
- Windows only, with no macOS or Linux version
- Commercial, with no permanent free full version
- Editions are purchased per database engine, which adds up across a mixed stack
- Single engine focus means it is not one client for every database
Pricing
Commercial, sold per database engine as separate editions, with free trials and some free tiers available.
Who it is best for
Windows developers and DBAs who work mainly with one engine and want a deep, dedicated IDE with strong compare, sync and query building tools.
Verdict
dbForge Studio is one of the strongest Windows SQL IDEs, with a polished visual query builder and best in class schema and data comparison. The tradeoff is that it is Windows only and licensed per engine, so a shop that spans several databases pays for several editions. If you live mostly in one engine on Windows, it is well worth a trial; if you need one cross platform client for many databases, a tool like DataGrip or Navicat may fit better.
Frequently asked questions
Is dbForge Studio free?
No, dbForge Studio is a commercial product. Devart offers free trials and some limited free tiers, but the full editions are paid and licensed per database engine.
Does dbForge Studio run on macOS or Linux?
No. dbForge Studio is Windows only. On macOS or Linux you would use a cross platform client such as DataGrip or DBeaver instead.
Which databases does dbForge Studio support?
Devart sells separate dbForge Studio editions for SQL Server, MySQL and MariaDB, Oracle and PostgreSQL. Each edition targets one engine, so you buy the edition that matches your database.