Tcl's MQTT Broker requires SQLite3 to create and manage the database to support it. Although knowing SQLite3 is not a prerequisite for using the broker package, it is helpful to see what is happening behind the scenes while the broker is working.
The question is, "What SQLite3 manager or browser should I use?"
While the SQLite library is very easy to use from Tcl, I continue to use several database managers for SQLite depending on my needs at the time. I use SQLiteManager for simple applications and it will certainly serve our purposes here.
I also use Navicat 15 and recently upgraded to Navicat 16 for a variety of databases including SQLite. DataGrip by JetBrains is my database manager of choice as it supports multiple relational databases and is better suited for more complex schemas.
I recently downloaded DBeaver Ultimate Edition for trial purposes. It carries an impressive list of features and may be worth further consideration in the long run. However, the price tag for this version is quite steep when compared to other options.
Devising an SQLite client/browser using Tcl is not necessarily a difficult task, but why reinvent the wheel when so many tools are already freely available. Visit "The Tcl interface to the SQLite library" page for more information on using the SQLite library from Tcl or Tcl/Tk scripts.
Numerous SQLite IDE/clients are available:
- DataGrip by JetBrains is my Preferred database IDE as it supports an impressive list of features and Database Management Systems: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server, Azure, Amazon Redshift, SQLite, DB2, H2, Sybase, Exasol, Apache Derby, MariaDB, HyperSQL, Snowflake, Cassandra, ClickHouse, Greenplum, Apache Hive, Vertica, and MongoDB. DataGrip also provides unified support for all major version control systems (Git, SVN, Mercurial, and more).
- Navicat 16 for SQLite. Note that Navicat offers database-specific versions and each carries a unique pricing structure.
- SQLiteStudio - FREE, intuitive, easy to use, and is sufficient for those just starting out with SQLite.
- SQLiteManager - $49, intuitive design and easy to use.
- DBeaver is a cross-platform, feature-rich universal database manager that is ideal for developers, administrators, and analysts. Several editions are available with pricing tiers ranging from free to $440 per year: community (free), lite ($99), enterprise ($230), and ultimate ($440). DBeaver Ultimate Edition is the most versatile offering I have used and connects with a wide range of databases. It supports SQLite, Oracle, DB2, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS Access, Sybase, Apache Hive, Phoenix, Presto, and more. DBeaver features a full-text search for all fields, column search, backup/ restore wizard, SSH tunnelling, and several more useful features. Enterprise and Ultimate editions include NoSQL DB support (MongoDB, InfluxDB, Redis, CouchDB, and others), numerous extensions for Oracle, Redshift, and SQL Server. -DB Browser for SQLite
- sqlite-gui
- Beekeeper Studio: Open Source SQL Editor and Database Manager for MySQL/MariaDB, Postgres, SQLite, SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, and CockroachDB. Beekeeper studio Community (Free) and Ultimate (Paid) editions are available. The interface is clean and minimalistic. Other FREE database clients offer at least as many features at the present time.
- Antares SQL: Open source SQL client. The setup does not allow you to choose the "install location." At the moment this application is in a development state and many features will come in future updates. This application falls far short of others presented above and is not yet worth the asking price for a subscription. Antares supports MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL and SQLite. FREE AND OPEN SOURCE, no paid content, subscriptions or ads. Antares will be always 100% free and open source.
I typically use Microsoft's SQL Server Management Studio when working with SQL Server. However, DataGrip is my preferred Database IDE.