Does anyone need SQL editor or explorer?

[Karlis]

I have this idea about SQL editor which could be rather simple at the beginning but if there would be anough interest we could grow it.

If would integrate with web page editor. E.g. you lright-click on SQL statement and click edit SQL, and then SQL editor window pops up and you can edit SQL in a friendly environment with syntax highlighting and also test your SQL statements.

We could make it work with MySQL, MSSQL, PostgresSQL and probably even Oracle. Some basic database visual exploration would be also available.

Do you ever work with SQL? Would you like to use such feature? You can post your comments and use the poll.

[purpleedge2004]

I currently use Dreamweaver MX to set up the connection to MySQL database and create the SQL statement to retrieve a set of records.

I'd want similar functionality in WB ...

1. Ability to define a connection.
2. Ability to see database on remote server.
3. Ability for point and click selection of fields.
4. PHP etc code to loop through defined record set.

IMO additional SQL design capabilities should be left to specialised tools.

[Franco Fucini]

I think that this software (WeBuilder) should be just like it is at the moment: a "tool" to develop web applications. Its goal is help the programmer to manage the "project". So I agree with the sql editor, but in the same "fashion" of other tools. Example: the file explorer panel is great, because you manage, explore, all the files placed in the project directory. And the FTP function is the same: you update some files, and you can post them to the "real" remote site.
This program is elegant, easy to use, and "solid". I see the sql function just like some other tools, so:
- sql expression editor is ok
But what the program could make to help the developer? The db connection (even remote) should be added... so the developer can use some features just like: test an sql expression and see the "raw" result. Columns and rows, simply. So he can "save" the sql expression and paste it into the project.
I think, in resume, that this software must grow "slowly", slowly but "perfectly". In the current version it doesn't replace the user in "creating" the project "content"... it's only the project editor. Maybe in the future it could have some more "management" function. Example: actually we can create (with the very good CSS module) a CSS file, and link it in our pages. In the future the "project" context could be more deeply integrated. Say: the user can declare (and create, of course) the CSS of the project... and the program can insert the link to the CSS file into the project pages. Or also a javacript file reference, or so...
In this direction WeBuilder can grow becaming a "project builder"... and not only an editor...
Forgive me for this "fly"... I only want to say that the sql editor can born just like a complementary tool... But this software can have, in the future, a real growth regarding the "web-project" construction, and not only the "pages" construction.

Best regards (to everybody!)
Franco

[ggiunta]

Skrew the sql editing tool: it will never come close to dedicated stuff like Toad or DBArtisan or even Aqua studio.
Right tool for the rtight Job...

[zmodem]

I would probably use this feature, but I wouldn't go overboard developing it. I would certainly use the SQL editor if it had one. Simple syntax highlighting and maybe a toolbar.

Another panel, SQL Explorer, would also be neat. I would use it mainly to help me remember what the heck that one field name was, but I certianly wouldn't give up my existing DB tools.

Thanks!

[Mike77]

The Idea is pretty nice but there are a few really good sql editors out there like navicat and mysql front, so better improve the editor functions for coding

Mike

[syrupcore]

if it just had syntax highlighting, I'd use it. I need my crutches! there's 10 other things I'd rather see first though.


Will

[Vandulus]

I'd love a SQL query editor with sytax checking and highlighting in WeBuilder!

[Emulman]

Above all...compliments!!! i have purchased Webuilder 2005 a few days ago and it' really fantastic!!!

and about the sql editor..and if you take inspiration form MySQL Query Browser? it's an open source project form which you can extract some useful routines for the sql editor to include in 2006 version of Webuilder..
and when it come out???

[Patrick]

I would totally LOVE this. especially the 'test querys' sounds like a dream

[erikh]

I would love this feature. Especially if the functionality is like DW when it comes to setting up connections, as in that case I don't mind doing the point and click thing (takes too long to type out by hand frankly). Add in support for CF and asp.net and guess what? NO MORE NEED FOR DW.
Not saying that I don't like it but charging me $400 US every 18months? I don't think so....
Much prefer WB so much quicker to get things done.
Karlis you ROCK!

[muz1]

The beauty of Rapid PHP has more to do with the balance of functions and it speeding up the process through some wizard inclusion.
If we need to do things like SQL inclusion and connection strings, that is what the library is for. Simply setup a snippet, drop it in and change the variables or entered parameters.

If I wanted to get something to do it all for me, I would go and use Macromedia stuff (oopz I meant Adobe:lol:).

Rapid PHP is an amazing tool where having to write code is a joy for me because I learn more through doing it. This in turn enables me to better understand how I can push the limits and create better code.

[santocki]

I use SQLyog Enterprise to manage MySQL database. The unique beauty about this app is that you can upload a php file called SQLyogTunnel.php and connect directly to your hosting company's MySQL server using the HTTP protocol and enjoy like the SQL client tools that MS SQL and Oracle have.

Another beauty about this app is that you can connect to various different MySQL versions (3.23.xx to 5.0) at the same time to make backups or synchronize between them.

I always test my SQL syntax using this tool because it shows all the fields, or you can even edit the table structure or content like a breeze. I have used all other tools like Navicat, etc. but nothing come close to this one if you use MySQL.

Again, please don't waste your time on this unless you won't compromise the speed and functions of the editor. I have dumped Dreamweaver because it was slow, and lacks some basic editing feature, like it does not changes the TAB into spaces. And DW once destroyed my files because it automatically uploaded some files thinking it was the new code to my hosting server. I did not know that happened and it took me an hour to figure it out. Seems like it mysteriously uploaded the temporary files in my PC without my consent.

But I do enjoy the FTP features of DW and if that kind of TREE view navegation and some features were added, Kalis will be my idol! Actually I expected some FTP improvement but was disappointed with PHP 2006. I hope it can have at least the same FTP features like the freeware PSP Pad has.

[phper]

Yep, I'd use it.. for sure.. but not hurting w/o it. Currently I use MySql browser but it's not real stable. i'll have to try out some of those others that were mentioned. But would be nice to have it all in one tool. The other stand-alone sql tools are great and have much more functionality, but for just simple things, it's nice to have it built-in.

With that said, i think there are other more important features that should be added first.

[HyrumR]

I think the current database explorer (Rapid PHP 2006) is *almost* perfect. I have it docked to the left of my screen to remind me of what the table and field names are. It would be nice to be able to add fields, tables, and modify them, but it isn't really necessary. I can use MySql administrator for that.

The only thing I'd like to see change with the current sql explorer is the ability to sort the fields by the order they are in the database, with the primary key on top. It would also help to show a different icon for the primary key. Other than that, it's exactly what I wanted.