Master DBeaver: Install, Connect, and Generate ER Diagrams Easily

What is DBeaver?

DBeaver is a free, open‑source, Java‑based universal database management and development tool released under the Apache Software License. It can be downloaded from the official website or GitHub.

Supported Platforms and Features

Because it runs on the Java runtime, DBeaver works on Windows, Linux and macOS. Built on the Eclipse framework, it supports plug‑ins and offers tools such as ER diagram generation, data import/export, schema comparison and mock‑data creation.

Database Connectivity

DBeaver connects to databases via JDBC and supports almost every relational product (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, Oracle, Db2, SQL Server, Sybase, MS Access, Teradata, Firebird, Derby, etc.). The commercial edition also adds drivers for NoSQL and big‑data platforms such as MongoDB, InfluxDB, Apache Cassandra, Redis and Apache Hive.

Download and Installation

The community edition provides installers or zip packages for each OS; an optional bundled JRE can be selected. An Eclipse plug‑in is also available for integration with the Eclipse IDE.

First Launch and Sample Database

After installation, launching dbeaver.exe on Windows shows a connection wizard. Choosing “Cancel” opens the main window, where a prompt offers to create a sample SQLite database.

Connecting to a Database

Use Database → New Connection to open the wizard. For example, select the PostgreSQL icon, enter host, port, database name, user and password, and optionally configure SSH/SSL in the Advanced Settings. The “Test Connection” button verifies the settings and automatically downloads the required JDBC driver.

Manual Driver Management

For drivers that require authentication (e.g., Oracle, Db2), open Database → Driver Manager , edit the driver, and add the downloaded ojdbc8.jar file.

Generating an ER Diagram

In the Database Navigator, open the Project view, locate “ER Diagrams”, right‑click and choose “Create new ER diagram”. Provide a name, select the connection and the objects to display, then finish to generate the diagram. The diagram can be arranged, formatted and exported as an image, but DBeaver cannot create an ER diagram from scratch.

For more details, refer to the official DBeaver user guide.