How to Install and Use SQLECTRON: A Lightweight Cross‑Platform SQL Client

SQLECTRON

A simple lightweight SQL client for desktop/terminal with cross-database and cross-platform support.

It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, allowing you to connect to various databases.

Installation and Usage

The version used in this article is v1.30.0. Download the installer, drag the app into the Applications folder, and the installation is complete.

Add a server by providing the required information. The supported database types are:

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Microsoft SQL Server

SQLite

Cassandra

Test the connection and click Save.

Select the server, click Connect, and run a SQL query.

After execution you can copy results as JSON or CSV, or export them to files.

Using SQLECTRON to explain a query gives a clean visual output.

Compared with heavier tools like DataGrip, SQLECTRON meets basic needs for users who do not rely heavily on advanced client features.

If you prefer a terminal interface, SQLECTRON also offers SQLECTRON-TERM. Install it with a single command (Node.js required):

npm install -g sqlectron-term

The project has few GitHub stars and is maintained by an owner who lost interest, making it a good opportunity for contributors to gain experience.

Conclusion

For everyday basic SQL execution, SQLECTRON fully satisfies the need without requiring a paid DataGrip or Navicat license, and it runs efficiently without heavy CPU load.

If you are interested in contributing, maintaining the project offers a valuable learning experience.