# dbx — Lightweight Cross-Platform Database Client in 15 MB

> A small, fast database client built with Tauri and Rust that connects to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, MongoDB, DuckDB, ClickHouse, and SQL Server.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# dbx — Lightweight Cross-Platform Database Client in 15 MB

## Quick Use
```bash
# Download the latest release for your platform
# macOS, Windows, and Linux binaries available
# Or build from source:
git clone https://github.com/t8y2/dbx.git
cd dbx && cargo tauri build
```

## Introduction
dbx is a desktop database client that fits in 15 MB while supporting eight database engines. Built with Tauri and Rust, it provides a responsive GUI for browsing schemas, running queries, and managing data across MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, MongoDB, DuckDB, ClickHouse, and SQL Server.

## What dbx Does
- Connects to eight popular database engines through a single interface
- Provides a query editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion
- Displays table schemas, indexes, and relationships visually
- Supports data export in CSV, JSON, and SQL formats
- Runs as a native desktop app on macOS, Windows, and Linux

## Architecture Overview
dbx uses Tauri for the desktop shell, with Rust handling all database connections and query execution on the backend. The frontend is a Vue.js application that communicates with the Rust core via Tauri's IPC bridge. Each database driver is loaded as a Rust module, keeping the binary small while supporting multiple engines.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Download pre-built binaries from GitHub Releases or build from source
- Requires no installation; runs as a standalone executable
- Connection strings are stored locally in an encrypted configuration file
- Supports SSH tunneling for connecting to remote databases securely
- Themes and editor preferences are configurable through the settings panel

## Key Features
- Total application size under 15 MB including all database drivers
- Native performance with sub-100ms query result rendering
- Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, MongoDB, DuckDB, ClickHouse, and SQL Server
- Built-in query history and saved query management
- Cross-platform with consistent UI on macOS, Windows, and Linux

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **DBeaver** — feature-rich Java-based client; dbx is dramatically smaller and faster to launch
- **TablePlus** — polished native client (commercial); dbx is free and open source
- **DataGrip** — JetBrains IDE for databases; dbx is a lightweight alternative without IDE overhead
- **pgcli/mycli** — terminal-based clients; dbx adds a graphical interface
- **Chat2DB** — AI-powered SQL IDE; dbx focuses on speed and simplicity over AI features

## FAQ
**Q: How can dbx support so many databases in only 15 MB?**
A: The Rust backend links database drivers statically and Tauri produces much smaller binaries than Electron-based alternatives.

**Q: Does dbx support stored procedures and triggers?**
A: You can execute stored procedures and view triggers through the query editor. Visual editing of stored procedures is on the roadmap.

**Q: Is the connection information stored securely?**
A: Yes. Connection credentials are encrypted at rest on your local machine.

**Q: Can I use dbx to manage database migrations?**
A: dbx is a query and browsing tool. For migrations, pair it with a dedicated tool like Flyway or dbmate.

## Sources
- https://github.com/t8y2/dbx
- https://dbx.dev

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/dbx-lightweight-cross-platform-database-client-15-mb-0bd1dbd8
Author: Script Depot