Oracle SQL Developer

Database DevOps, Integrated Development Environment (IDE), Data Modeling and Architecture
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free★★★★★★★★☆☆8.2

TL;DR

Oracle SQL Developer is a free IDE for working with SQL, PL/SQL, Java, and XML in Oracle databases.

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Key Facts

VendorOracle
Best fit
SMBMid-MarketEnterprise

Free version: Oracle SQL Developer is completely free with no limitations on features. Download and use immediately.

Pricing

Starting at Free

Free TierWindowsMacLinux
Most Popular

Free

$0
One-time
Desktop
  • Full SQL and PL/SQL editing
  • Database administration tools
  • Data modeling and import/export
  • Java stored procedure development
  • Cross-platform support

Additional Pricing Information

Oracle SQL Developer is 100% free. No paid tiers, no subscriptions, no hidden costs. The only cost is the Oracle Database license if you need one (SQL Developer itself is free).

Details

What is Oracle SQL Developer?

Oracle SQL Developer is Oracle's official free integrated development environment for working with Oracle databases. It supports SQL, PL/SQL, Java stored procedures, and XML, providing a comprehensive toolset for database developers and administrators. The GUI includes an object browser for exploring database objects, a SQL worksheet for running queries, a query builder for visual query creation, and a DBA console for database administration tasks. It handles data import/export in multiple formats and includes data modeling capabilities. While it's the go-to tool for Oracle database work, it's limited to Oracle databases and can be resource-heavy due to its Java foundation.

Key Features

  • *SQL and PL/SQL Editor** — Write, execute, and debug SQL and PL/SQL code with syntax highlighting
  • *Object Browser** — Explore tables, views, indexes, procedures, and other database objects
  • *Query Builder** — Visually construct SQL queries without writing code
  • *Data Import/Export** — Move data between Oracle and CSV, Excel, SQL, and other formats
  • *DBA Console** — Monitor database performance, manage users, and configure settings
  • *Data Modeling** — Create and modify database schemas with visual ER diagrams
  • *Version Control** — Track changes to database objects with Git integration
  • *Cross-Platform** — Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with consistent functionality

Who is it for?

  • Oracle database developers and administrators
  • Teams managing Oracle databases on-premise or in the cloud
  • Anyone needing a free, full-featured Oracle database IDE
  • Database professionals migrating from SQL*Plus to a GUI tool
  • Organizations standardizing on Oracle database technology

Who is it NOT for?

  • Developers working with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server (use DBeaver or DataGrip)
  • Users needing a lightweight, fast-starting database tool
  • Teams needing modern AI-assisted SQL coding features
  • Anyone managing non-Oracle databases exclusively
  • Users who prefer web-based database management tools

The Bottom Line

Oracle SQL Developer is the obvious choice for anyone working with Oracle databases — it's free, it's official, and it covers 90% of what you need. The lack of licensing cost is a genuine advantage over commercial alternatives. However, it's Oracle-only, can be sluggish due to its Java foundation, and the UI feels dated. If you work exclusively with Oracle, this is your tool. If you work with multiple database types, DBeaver or DataGrip will serve you better.

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