Oracle Database

Differences Between TOAD for Oracle and Oracle SQL Developer

Oracle database is a widely-used and popular relational database management system to manage and store huge volumes of data. While talking about Oracle database management, you often have heard about two popular tools Oracle SQL Developer and Toad for Oracle. These tools are used by developers and administrators for managing, manipulating, and maintaining Oracle databases.

This post will discuss Toad for Oracle and Oracle SQL Developer along with their differences so that you can choose between them:

What is Toad for Oracle?

Toad (Tools for Oracle Application Development) for Oracle is a database development and management toolset maintained by Quest. It is a subscription-based paid tool with a 30-day free trial option. It performs major database tasks such as database design, development, administration, database health check, data modeling, and maintenance:

Let’s enlist a few of the major features of Toad for Oracle:

  • Application development
  • Creating user interfaces
  • Data Modeler
  • Defining business logic
  • Database development
  • Automate repetitive tasks
  • Managing Database Connections
  • Deploying Oracle-based web services and applications
  • Database health check
  • Team collaboration

The most popular feature of Toad for Oracle is the Automation of repetitive tasks, such as schema comparison, object creation, script execution, reporting, and data synchronization. Toad also supports many databases other than Oracle, such as DB2, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server which makes the connection with other databases an easy task.

What is Oracle SQL Developer?

Oracle SQL Developer is an integrated development environment tool which makes the process of development and management of Oracle databases effective and easy. It is a free tool developed by Oracle Corporation which aids developers and administrators to run SQL queries, testing, documentation, and generating plans:

Let’s enlist a few features of Oracle SQL Developer:

  • SQL editor
  • Schema browser
  • User and Role management
  • Database navigator
  • Version control systems
  • powerful search and reporting utility
  • Data modeler
  • Data Flow Diagrams

Difference Between Toad for Oracle and Oracle SQL Developer

Let’s enlist some differences between these tools:

  • Price: Oracle SQL Developer is available freely for use and download whereas TOAD for Oracle is a commercial tool that requires a license with a free 30-day trial.
  • Interface: Beginners find Oracle SQL Developer easy and user-friendly. On the other hand, Toad for Oracle offers a complex interface comparatively.
  • Automation: TOAD for Oracle offers more automation features, such as schema comparison, data synchronization, and object creation in comparison with Oracle SQL Developer.
  • Connection Support: TOAD supports multiple databases which makes connection easy with various databases, while Oracle SQL Developer is designed specifically for Oracle databases.

Conclusion

Oracle SQL Developer and Toad for Oracle are both popular and powerful tools for Oracle database users. TOAD for Oracle is a commercial tool that supports multiple database platforms and offers many effective automation features. Whereas, Oracle SQL Developer is a free tool with a user-friendly interface and supports version control systems. The choice for choosing any of them depends upon your needs and demands.

About the author

Nimrah Ch

I’m a technical writer with a Bachelor's in Software Engineering and Certification in Cyber Security. Through my research and writing, I strive to provide readers with in-depth, informative articles that can help them make informed decisions about their technological needs.