DataGrip vs PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code: What are the differences?

Introduction

The key differences between DataGrip and PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code are as follows:

1. User Interface: DataGrip provides a dedicated user interface specifically designed for database management, while PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code is an extension that integrates database functionality into the overall Visual Studio Code interface. DataGrip offers a more comprehensive and focused UI for managing databases, whereas PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code offers a more streamlined experience within the Visual Studio Code environment.

2. Querying and SQL Editing: DataGrip offers advanced SQL editing features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, and code formatting. It provides a powerful query console for executing SQL statements and offers handy navigation features for easily browsing through tables, columns, and schemas. On the other hand, PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code provides basic querying capabilities but lacks some of the advanced features offered by DataGrip.

3. Database Connection: DataGrip offers seamless integration with various databases and provides built-in drivers for connecting to different database platforms. It supports a wide range of database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, and more. PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code, on the other hand, is primarily focused on PostgreSQL databases and may require additional configurations to connect to other database systems.

4. Database Schema Management: DataGrip provides robust features for managing database schemas, including visual schema editors, schema comparisons, and synchronization tools. It allows for easy navigation and modification of database schemas, making it convenient for large-scale schema management. PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code, being an extension, offers more limited schema management capabilities and may require additional tools or plugins to accomplish complex schema management tasks.

5. Data Visualization: DataGrip comes with powerful data visualization tools that allow users to explore and present data in various formats, including tables, charts, and diagrams. It provides interactive visualizations that help in understanding complex relationships between tables and data sets. PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code, being primarily a code editor, lacks comprehensive data visualization capabilities and relies more on the user's ability to write SQL queries to generate and analyze data.

6. Supported Platforms: DataGrip is a standalone software that can be installed on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a consistent experience across different platforms and offers full-fledged database management capabilities. On the other hand, PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code is an extension specifically designed for the Visual Studio Code text editor and is limited to the platforms supported by Visual Studio Code.

In Summary, DataGrip offers a dedicated user interface, advanced SQL editing capabilities, seamless database connection to different platforms, comprehensive database schema management tools, powerful data visualization features, and support for multiple operating systems. On the other hand, PostgreSQL for Visual Studio Code, being an extension, provides a more integrated experience within the Visual Studio Code environment, but with more limited functionality and focus primarily on PostgreSQL databases.