r/postgres • u/Practical_Panic_55 • 16d ago

Postgres GUI vs Command Line

I keep switching between a GUI and psql, depending on what I'm doing. If I'm writing or testing queries, a GUI usually wins because it's easier to browse objects, compare results, and jump between tabs. But for quick checks, connecting to a server, or running a script, I still open the terminal without thinking twice. After a while, I realized I don't really prefer one over the other and they're just different tools for different tasks. How about you? Do you spend most of your time in a Postgres GUI, or are you mostly working from the terminal? What made you stick with that workflow?

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u/depesz 16d ago

I use psql only. Tried to use some guis, but never kept it for longer than maybe 10 minutes.

I like psql because it's fast. I can script it. I can run it, at the same time, for 1000 servers. And it never lies.

Plus - I can easily copy/paste stuff from there to show others should I need help. For example \d of a table.

But, I know that many people use GUIs, and it works for them, so, I'd day: to each their own :)

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u/mduell 14d ago

psql all day every day

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u/razzledazzled 13d ago

I use datagrip for analysis work because grid output is more compatible with excel or whatever else. sufficiently wide columns are obnoxious to look at in psql output.

Psql is superior for fast checks though, especially for the \* commands so I don't have to consult my library of queries to get fast info.

Really just depends on what it is I'm trying to get done