Quick start

From a fresh install to your first query in a couple of minutes.

This guide takes you from a fresh install to running SQL against a real database. If you don't have a database handy, use SQLite — it needs nothing extra.

1. Create a connection#

Launch rdSQL and click New Connection in the sidebar. Pick a Database Engine, fill in the connection details, and click Test to confirm it reaches the server, then Save.

Each engine has its own guide:

2. Explore the schema#

Select the connection — its schemas, tables, views, columns and indexes load into the sidebar tree. Click a table to open its rows in a data grid without writing any SQL, or use the filter drawer to narrow rows by column conditions.

See Data grid & editing for the full tour.

3. Run your first query#

Open a SQL editor tab and write a query:

sql

SELECT *
FROM users
ORDER BY created_at DESC
LIMIT 20;

Run it with ⌘ Enter (macOS) or Ctrl+Enter (Windows/Linux), or use Run selection to execute only the highlighted statement. Results appear in the grid below the editor, with row counts and query timing alongside.

4. Edit data inline#

Double-click any cell in the results grid to edit it. Stage several changes across rows, review them, then commit everything in one atomic transaction with ⌘ S / Ctrl+S.

5. Go further#

Back up or copy a database — Backup & restore.
Diff two databases — Compare & Sync.
Visualize the schema — ERD Studio.
Ask for SQL in plain language — AI assistant.