Abandoning Navicat, Switching to DataGrip
For DB tools, I’ve been using Navicat, from cracked versions to single DB versions, then to Essentials versions, back and forth. Now I’ve decided to switch to JetBrains’ DataGrip.
Reasons for Abandoning Navicat
Price
The license is expensive. For single DB versions like MySQL, it costs over 1000 yuan per year, and for the flagship cross-database version, it costs over 5000 yuan per year. At work, I prefer one software to solve one category of problems, just like IDEs - you can’t have a specific IDE for each language; having one all-purpose one is better. So I prefer using Navicat’s flagship version, but the price is too high for personal purchase. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide flagship version licenses either [special cases can go through project applications - troublesome].
Efficiency
Navicat’s GUI is mature and beautiful, but for programmers, mouse operations are still several beats slower. Compared to JetBrains’ support for shortcuts in IDEA, WebStorm, etc., it’s weak.
Slow Updates
Software updates are slow, and they don’t provide SDKs, so personal custom development is impossible. So when you encounter problems, there’s nowhere to ask, you can only wait. I remember encountering issues with DB data export to Excel support before.
After complaining about the shortcomings, of course Navicat isn’t without advantages - after all, it’s a mature product. Especially the flagship version supports various mainstream databases [relational or non-relational databases], and this alone beats most DB software. Additionally, common functions like import/export, queries, backups are all comprehensive.
But since it’s expensive, using single database versions results in having to switch between different software. Also, cracked or Essential versions aren’t long-term solutions, so I decided to switch!
Reasons for Choosing DataGrip
The reason for choosing DataGrip is that while ensuring basic functionality, the above 3 shortcomings don’t exist.
Comprehensive Features
After several years of development, DataGrip has comprehensive basic features. It can compete with Navicat, and also supports multiple DBs [PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB
newly supported in 2019.3].Price
The license isn’t expensive, about 1000+ yuan per year, which is on par with Navicat’s single DB version.
Efficiency
Shortcut support is excellent - you should know that DataGrip is a JetBrains product, so basic operations follow the same conventions, and the learning curve isn’t high for those familiar with the basic interface. There are also customizable shortcut options.
Recommended official video - click here
Fast Updates JetBrains IDEs update frequently, which is great. Additionally, SDKs are open, allowing secondary development to solve personalized problems.
Shortcomings
Update:
2022.3added Redis support2019.3last version added MongoDB support
Insufficient NoSQL Support
There’s quite a demand for this on the official forum - No-SQL support I personally think it’s just a matter of time before this gets resolved. But what to do before it’s resolved? Some people have no choice but to install other specialized software to handle these unsupported databases. But having to switch back and forth is annoying.
If it’s a database that’s not yet supported, you can try searching for plugins. If that doesn’t work, you can develop one yourself - the SDK is quite simple.
DataGrip Learning Resources
Final Thoughts
Previously, my experience with DB tools was quite frustrating [somewhat troublesome]. This time I made up my mind to switch apps. Next, I need to practice more to improve familiarity and thus boost productivity. I also hope DataGrip will step up, follow public opinion, and quickly support NoSQL databases!
