LinuxCommandLibrary

dbeaver

Manage and query databases

TLDR

Open DBeaver

$ dbeaver
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Open DBeaver connecting to a specific database
$ dbeaver [[-con|--connect]] [database]
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Force the creation of a new instance
$ dbeaver --newInstance
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Stop the running instance
$ dbeaver --quit
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Close all tabs within dbeaver
$ dbeaver --closeTabs
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Bring DBeaver to the top of applications
$ dbeaver --bringToFront
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Display help
$ dbeaver --help
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SYNOPSIS

dbeaver [OPTIONS]

PARAMETERS

-nosplash
    Suppresses the display of the splash screen during application startup.

-run <script_path>
    Executes a specified DBeaver script (e.g., SQL script) upon application launch. Useful for automation or specific tasks.

-consoleLog
    Directs application log output to the console (standard output/error), useful for debugging and troubleshooting.

-data <workspace_path>
    Specifies a custom workspace directory for DBeaver instead of the default location.

--launcher.suppressErrors
    Suppresses the display of launcher error dialogs, often used in automated environments where user interaction is not desired.

DESCRIPTION

DBeaver is a powerful and versatile open-source cross-platform database tool. It supports a wide range of databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, SQLite, DB2, MariaDB, Sybase, Teradata, Netezza, and many more, through JDBC drivers. It provides a rich set of features for database management, development, and administration.

Key functionalities include a SQL editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion, visual query builder, data manipulation tools (view, edit, delete), schema navigation, ER diagrams, data export/import, backup/restore capabilities, and a robust plugin architecture. DBeaver allows users to connect to multiple databases simultaneously, manage connections, execute SQL queries, browse data, create and alter database objects, and perform various administrative tasks efficiently. Its intuitive graphical user interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced database professionals, enhancing productivity across diverse database environments. The dbeaver command typically launches the GUI application, often from a DEB/RPM package installation or a standalone tarball.

CAVEATS

DBeaver is primarily a Graphical User Interface (GUI) application; thus, its command-line options are limited compared to traditional CLI tools. Many underlying options are related to the Eclipse platform or Java Virtual Machine (JVM) settings. It requires a functioning Java Runtime Environment (JRE/JDK) to operate. Its behavior and availability of the dbeaver command may vary slightly depending on the installation method (e.g., DEB/RPM package, Snap, Flatpak, or direct tarball extraction). Script execution via -run expects specific DBeaver script formats or standard SQL files.

INSTALLATION

DBeaver can be installed on Linux via official DEB/RPM packages, Snap, Flatpak, or by extracting a tarball. The dbeaver command typically becomes available in the system's PATH after a proper installation, allowing it to be invoked directly from the terminal.

CONFIGURATION

User-specific configurations, including database connections, preferences, and workspaces, are typically stored in the user's home directory (e.g., ~/.dbeaver on Linux systems, or within the specified workspace if -data is used). This allows for personalized setup and data management.

JDBC DRIVERS

DBeaver relies on JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) drivers to establish connections with various databases. These drivers are often downloaded automatically by DBeaver itself when a new connection type is configured, or they can be configured manually if required for specific database versions or custom setups.

HISTORY

DBeaver was initially released in 2011 by Serge Rider. It quickly gained popularity as an open-source alternative to commercial database tools, leveraging the Eclipse platform for its core. Over the years, it has continuously evolved, adding support for an ever-growing list of database types, enhancing its feature set (e.g., visual query builder, ER diagrams), and improving performance. Its strong community support and active development have solidified its position as a leading universal database management tool. The dbeaver command itself represents the executable wrapper for this Java-based application, evolving with new versions to integrate better with various Linux distributions and desktop environments.

SEE ALSO

mysql(1), psql(1), sqlite3(1), sqlcmd(1), java(1)

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