Platform Independence
For many years the "Write once, Run anywhere" promise of Java
actually seemed to be one of "Write once, Debug everywhere",
mostly due to the lightweight AWT toolkit implementation.
But with the introduction of the Java Swing GUI toolkit,
it has been possible to develop sophisticated GUI applications
that behave identically on any platform with appropriate
Java support. DBInspect is just such an application.
Having development tools that function identically across
platforms is a very great advantage . Whether working on Linux,
Solaris, or Windows desktops, you still have access to DBInspect.
Database Independence
Each database I have run across has it's own command
line and graphical utilities for interactively creating and executing
SQL statements. Wouldn't it be nice if you could use the same tool to interact with all
of your databases?
The JDBC API (Java Database Connectivity) allows Java programs
to communicate to databases in a database independent manner,
and allows for sophisticated access to database and query result set
meta data. DBinspect makes extensive use of JDBC to provide
it's users a single consistent interface to all databases that
have an available JDBC driver.
Ease of Use
Tired of retyping a SQL statement you just executed or tried to execute?
Me too.
DBinspect has multiple facilities that are constantly improving that
aid you in writing and executing your SQL statements.
From remembering your recent statements, to field and table name
tab and auto completion, DBInspect eliminates alot of the drudgery
involved with poking around your database or getting that SQL statement
just right.
Improvement
As far as I'm concerned, this tool is completly functional.
But there is no question that it has much room for improvement.
An area will soon be available on the
site where you can check out
all of the proposed outstanding feature requests and bug reports to DBInspect so far,
vote for any of them, or add your own feature request or bug report.
I'm hoping to add all of my own improvement ideas to this, and then use everyone's ratings to
decide which improvement to tackle next.
Of course, they will also be weighted by technical difficulty and appropriateness.
I'm a great believer in the small sharp tools philosopy of Unix/Linux,
and want DBInspect to do one thing, and one thing very well.
Summary
DBInspect has become an indispensable development tool for my
colleagues and I over the last few years, and I hope it finds a place
in your toolbox as well!
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