SQuirreL SQL Client
What SQuirreL SQL Client is
SQuirreL SQL Client is a free Java desktop application for inspecting database structures, browsing table data, and running 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 come from the database vendor. Its editor completes database objects and SQL terms, and can generate JOIN syntax from foreign keys. Result tabs allow editing rows from queries 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 plugin examples cover Excel or CSV imports, table graphs, schema refactoring, and queries across databases. Installers are offered for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Version 5.1.0 requires Java 17 or newer and highlights enhanced encryption for Alias passwords. The project is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License. Usage questions and developer discussion go to mailing lists that require subscription.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a desktop interface for JDBC database work across Windows, Linux, or macOS. Users should be comfortable obtaining database drivers separately when needed and meeting the Java requirement for version 5.1.0.
What it does well
- SQL editor completes database objects and terms.
- Can generate JOIN syntax from foreign keys.
- Query results support single-table row editing.
- Repository plugins are included in the installer.
- Results can be exported to Microsoft Excel.
What to know first
- Most database drivers must be obtained separately.
- Version 5.1.0 requires Java 17 or newer.
- Mailing list posting requires a subscription.
Limits
The plan is free. Most database drivers are not included, and version 5.1.0 requires Java 17 or later.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SQuirreL SQL Client | Java desktop application · JDBC drivers may need to be obtained separately | Free |
As squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the SQuirreL SQL Client website.
- Choose the installer for Windows, Linux, or macOS.
- Install Java 17 or later for version 5.1.0.
- Install the client and obtain a compatible JDBC driver from the database vendor if needed.
- Connect to a database and use the SQL editor or installed plugins.
Verdict
SQuirreL combines SQL editing, table browsing, and plugin extensions in a free desktop client. Check driver availability and the Java requirement before installing.
Questions
How much does SQuirreL SQL Client cost?
The SQuirreL SQL Client plan costs nothing.
Which operating systems are supported?
Installers are offered for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
What databases can it connect to?
It can work with databases that have a compatible JDBC driver. The project says it should work in theory with any DBMS that has a JDBC 2.0 driver.
Are database drivers included?
Most drivers are not included because they are proprietary; users may need to obtain them from database vendors.
What license does the project use?
The project says it has been released under the GNU Lesser General Public License since version 1.1beta2.
What Java version does SQuirreL 5.1.0 require?
Version 5.1.0 requires at least Java 17.
Facts from SQuirreL SQL Client's own pages
- AI integration
- The latest snapshot announced on the site offers MCP server functionality for AI tools to access SQuirreL sessions. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Data import
- The optional Data Import plugin imports Excel or CSV data into a database. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Editable results
- Query result tabs support editing rows returned from a query on a single table. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Java plugins extend the application, and plugins from its repository are included in the installer. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Extensible
- Its functionality can be extended with Java plugins, and plugins in the project repository are included in the installer. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- The 5.1.0 release requires at least Java 17. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project says it has been released under the GNU Lesser General Public License since version 1.1beta2. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 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. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Password security
- The 5.1.0 feature highlights include enhanced security for encrypting Alias passwords. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Plugin examples
- Available plugins include data import from Excel or CSV, table graphing, schema refactoring, and cross-database queries. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SQuirreL is a graphical Java client for viewing JDBC database structure, browsing table data, and issuing SQL commands. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Result editing
- Query result tabs support editing rows returned from a query on a single table. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- Version 5.1.0 highlights enhanced security for encrypting Alias passwords. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- SQL editor
- The editor offers code completion for database objects and SQL terms, and can generate JOIN syntax from foreign keys. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its mailing lists for usage questions and developer discussion; posting requires subscription. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Installers are offered for Windows, Linux and other systems, and a separate installer is offered for MacOS. · squirrel-sql.sourceforge.io, 9 Oct 2026
Where SQuirreL SQL Client stands on Freedom251
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