SQL is a high-in-demand programming language used in domains like business analytics to interact with relational data. Professionals widely use it for tasks such as data manipulation, data analysis, and data visualization.
Interacting with data is one thing, but to be able to translate that data into meaningful information is a challenge in itself.
Data visualization is the art of converting information from data into visual contexts to make it easier and understandable for the human brain. Data visualization may include creating maps, graphs, and charts so that it is easy to pull meaningful insights from the data.
Data analysts and scientists must have a firm grip on data visualization tools. This is the only way via which they can make the data comprehendible to stakeholders.
The following are the eight widely used data visualization tools for SQL:
Metabase
Metabase is a free, open-source, and user-friendly data visualization tool for SQL.
The best thing about this tool is that it is straightforward to use, especially for people that do not have a solid technical background.
You can write a query using SQL for your data if you have permission to use a separate SQL editor. If not, then you can use its “Ask a Question” function, where you can also ask your question in English or 14 other languages.
Apache Superset
Apache Superset is a data visualization tool that runs on Apache, known to be the most significant open-source web server on the Internet. It also has a special in-built program called SQL Lab, where you can create dashboards and query your data.
Draxlr
Draxlr is a user-friendly data visualization tool that you can use for free if you are working with five or lesser tables. You can also get access to unlimited tables if you upgrade it to the pro version.
Draxlr helps you sort, filter, summarize and visualize your data all under one tool. Once you have performed your analysis, you can easily convert your data into charts and graphs. You can also export your analysis to your local device in CSV or Excel format.
Looker
Looker is a data visualization and analysis tool that is very easy to learn, extensible, and highly customizable.
It has plenty of basic and advanced visualization modes such as bar charts, maps, funnels, combined charts, etc. It is also well built for SQL databases. Another great thing about Looker is that you can also create your data custom visualization modes.
Redash
Redash is an open-source data visualization tool used widely by business analysts for data analysis.
Redash has a standard query editor which allows you to select a query language according to your data. Thus, it can be used for SQL to query your data from a relational database. It has a wide range of different Data visualization modes, which can be helpful to you.
Tableau
If you have taken any data science or data analysis course, you must have heard of Tableau.
It is a giant in the data intelligence world, especially for its Data visualization features for SQL. Tableau has a range of selections and filter options to query your data and is also equipped with a Custom-SQL option if you want to code your queries.
One drawback of Tableau is that it is not a free service and might charge you a bit, although the investment is worth it for advancing your career.
Power BI
Power BI is a Microsoft data intelligence tool well supported and integrated with SQL Serve alongside Excel, Access, and many others.
Power BI is customizable and allows you to build your queries. You can build your queries by writing little to no code using a series of in-built menus and options. You can also code your query using SQL directly as well. There are many visualization modes available that you can use to convert your tabular data into meaningful visuals.
MODE
If you work for a large company or enterprise, then MODE is the go-to software. It focuses heavily on data science and is equipped with many data visualization modes.
MODE has its SQL editor, but you can create dashboards and model data using Python, R, or JavaScript.
One drawback of MODE is that if you want a hold on all of MODE’s data visualization functions, you must have a deep knowledge of coding. Therefore, it’s not a tool for non-technical or beginner coders.
Conclusion
Data visualization is essential as you won’t be able to drive meaningful insights from your tabular data without it. In this article, we went over eight versatile, forward-thinking data visualization tools for SQL. Almost all of these tools offer a limited free trial version, and some open-source ones are also entirely free.
