By taking advantage of the most critical integrated development environment (IDE) features, database developers can enjoy greater efficiency and improve database security.

Database developers, especially those in multi-platform environments, welcome tools that promise to make their lives easier and increase productivity. One type of tool that many developers and programmers like to use is an integrated development environment.

What is an IDE?

An IDE is an application that consolidates the various elements that go into writing a computer program, which includes developing database applications. Using the right IDE immediately boosts developer productivity by eliminating the need to bounce from tool to tool when engaged in development activities.

An IDE typically is made up of several components, no matter what type of programmer it is designed to serve. Common tools that are contained in an IDE include:

• A code editor that simplifies writing and editing of code with features such as syntax-highlighting, automatic syntax corrections, and autocomplete;
• A compiler to transform human-readable source code into a format that can be executed on a computer;
• A debugger to assist with identifying and resolving errors during testing;
• Automation tools to help streamline common tasks involved with building a module or program;
• Class and object browsers for reference and analysis;
• Class hierarchy diagrams to visualize the structure of program code.

A well-constructed IDE may also have features designed for specific user communities, like C# programmers or database developers.

The Most Important IDE Features for Database Developers

Developers who gravitate toward using an IDE want access to a feature set that is relevant to their specific discipline. Database developers, while sharing many of the same requirements as other programmers, also have to address some unique aspects of working with databases.

Database platform support

Support for the database platforms on which they are developing is an essential ingredient in a viable developer IDE. Ideally, the tool should support multiple platforms to allow users to become familiar with its features and increase productivity across the database landscape.

SQL support

Structured Query Language (SQL) is used extensively when working with relational databases and the applications that depend on them. A viable IDE should assist developers in writing SQL code and have excellent debugging capabilities. Version control is another feature that enhances the development team’s productivity.

Security

Developers are often called upon to access live systems when analyzing and optimizing code. Using a secure connection is an essential part of keeping databases and their contents protected. A developer’s IDE must include the capacity to securely connect to all supported databases.

Data analysis tools

The ability to analyze the information contained in databases from within an IDE streamlines the development process.  This facility enables developers to rapidly assess changes made to test systems and extract important data from production systems to share with decision-makers.

An IDE for Multi-Platform Database Developers

Aqua Data Studio is an IDE designed to address the needs of the database development community.

The tool offers multi-platform database developers a versatile IDE that provides the dedicated features and functionality they need. The tool checks all the boxes on a database developer’s wish list.

• More than 40 database platforms are supported by Aqua Data Studio. Relational, cloud and NoSQL databases can all be accessed from the same interface leading to productivity gains and a reduced learning curve.
• Extensive SQL support is provided by features such as the Visual Query Builder and the advanced Query Analyzer. The tool integrates with version control clients for Subversion, CVS, Git, and Perforce. Developers can run traces and debug stored procedures, functions, and packages.
• The ability to log in securely to any supported server is furnished with a built-in SSH client that offers encryption ciphers and support for multiple terminal emulators.
• Excellent data analysis functionality is provided by Aqua Data Studio. Data visualizations can be easily created with a drag and drop interface. Results of a query can be analyzed in an editable, Excel-like grid. Data in different formats can be imported and exported to databases, tables, objects, or files.

Database developers interested in the features of Aqua Data Studio can try the tool risk-free with a fully functional, 14-day trial. Once they try it, it might be hard to get the development team to go back to their old way of doing things. In some circles, that’s called progress.