---
title: Testing an SQL connection
slug: how-tos/Y9wu-testing-a-sql-connection
createdAt: 2025-09-09T08:52:05.694Z
---

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](https://dbeaver.io/) (free, cross-platform)
- [TablePlus](https://tableplus.com/) (Mac/Windows, paid with free trial)
- [Azure Data Studio](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/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.