Testing an SQL connection
Follow these steps to explore data in an SQL database.
Step 1: Install an SQL client
A SQL client is a tool that lets you connect to and interact with a database.
Popular options:
- DBeaver (free, cross-platform)
- TablePlus (Mac/Windows, paid with free trial)
- Azure Data Studio (free, good for SQL Server)
Install an SQL client choosing one of the above or another client of your choice.
Step 2: Gather connection details
Before connecting, you’ll need some info (usually from your team or IT):
- Host / Server – where the database lives
- Port – often 5432 (PostgreSQL) or 3306 (MySQL)
- Database name - which database to use
- Username & Password - your login credentials (if needed)
Step 3: Browse SQL tables/views
- Open your SQL client
- Enter the connection details
- Test the connection
- Once connected, look for a Tables or Views section
- Double-click a table to preview the data
Troubleshooting
Connection timeout
- Check host/port are correct, confirm you’re on the right network.
- Check if you would need a VPN to access the database.
Invalid credentials
- Check your credentials are correct.
- Request a reset for your credentials if needed.
No tables/views showing
- Make sure your reader has the correct permissions/privileges to read data.
Timezone differences
- Data might look “off” (e.g., today’s data seems an hour behind/ahead). Confirm the database timezone vs. your local timezone.
Slow query results
- Large tables can take time to load. Try using a LIMIT or filter by date when previewing.