DatabaseSpy
 with DatabaseSpy | |
| Developer(s) | Altova |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 2010r3
/ May 5, 2010 |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | UML Tool |
| License | EULA |
| Website | http://www.altova.com/databasespy.html |
DatabaseSpy is a multi-database query, design, and database comparison tool from Altova, the creator of XMLSpy. DatabaseSpy connects to many major relational databases, facilitating SQL querying, database structure design, database content editing, database schema and content comparison, and database conversion.
DatabaseSpy is a database client application for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 and 2008 that allows database administrators, database developers, and other database-oriented IT professionals to interact with multiple relational databases that may have been created by different developers.
Major features
DatabaseSpy includes these components:[1]
Quick connection wizard
Database project manager
Online database browser
Database content editor
SQL editor with SQL auto-completion
Graphical database design tool
Database table compare and merge tool
Database schema compare and merge tool with support for database structure conversion
Editor for views and stored procedures
Data export and import tool
DatabaseSpy also includes special support for XML in databases and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Supported databases
DatabaseSpy can connect to multiple databases simultaneously, including databases of different types. DatabaseSpy automatically adjusts to variations in SQL dialects and data type definitions of supported relational databases. DatabaseSpy connects to the following major database types:[2]
Microsoft® SQL Server® 2000, 2005, 2008
IBM DB2® 8, 9 (LUW)
IBM DB2 for iSeries® v5.4, 6.1
Oracle® 9i, 10g, 11g
Sybase® 12
MySQL® 4, 5
PostgreSQL 8
Microsoft Access™ 2003, 2007
User comments
From its initial release in September 2006, users have recognized the benefits of using a single tool with a consistent user interface to multiple databases to perform routine tasks such as querying or modifying tables.
The use of a common graphical interface to connect to multiple databases, even on different platforms, is cited as a valuable feature. "For developers and power users, this offers a great way to tame some of the complexity that they might need to deal with in a heterogeneous environment," wrote one user.
The DatabaseSpy comparison functionality has also been highlighted. “ … its ability to let you compare and merge the contents of database tables via its graphical representation … is especially handy when you are moving from one system to another.”
DatabaseSpy won a 2009 SQL Server Magazine Editors' Best and Community Choice Award. "If you’re managing more than one flavor of database, you’ll want to check out this multipurpose toolset,” said one editor.
Licensing
DatabaseSpy is a licensed software product that uses key protection to prevent unlicensed usage. Altova offers customers an optional support and maintenance package, which allows them to upgrade to major new versions and maintenance releases. Service pack releases containing bug fixes are available to all users of the current software version. Altova updates its product line to add features and to ensure conformance with continually developing relational databases. All Altova products are free to try with a no-cost 30 day trial license.[3]