Side by side

DBScribe vs tbls

Both stand on database documentation tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

DBScribe

Free trial Windows

DBScribe turns database schemas into documentation in several formats, with customization options for the SQL Server edition. It is sold by database edition as a one-time license, and the trial is limited to 30 days.

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tbls

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

tbls combines database documentation with linting, schema comparison, and coverage measurement in a free CLI. Check its SQL Server requirements if that is your data source.

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The facts

	DBScribe	tbls
Free plan	A free trial	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	DBScribe 1.2 for PostgreSQL: $39, paid once	Free or on request
Plans published	5	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	leadum.com	github.com
On database documentation tools	#19 of 28	#15 of 28

DBScribe: what it does well

Documents SQL objects across five database editions
Offers wizard and command-line interfaces
Outputs CHM, HTML, multi-file HTML, and Word
SQL Server edition supports templates and reusable profiles
Fully functional 30-day evaluation downloads

What to know first

Windows platform only
No free plan
SQL Server edition requires SQL Server 7 or later and client tools

tbls: what it does well

Generates GitHub Flavored Markdown documentation.
Lint rules can require column comments.
Diff compares schemas with documents or other databases.
Coverage measures documentation for descriptions and comments.
MIT License permits use, modification, and distribution under its conditions.

What to know first

SQL Server needs version 2017 or later.
SQL Server needs compatibility level 110 or higher.
Repository security page says no security policy is detected.

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