Online Documentation for SQL Manager for PostgreSQL
EMS SQL Manager FAQ
Please read this page attentively if you have questions about EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL.
Product questions
- What is EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
- What is the difference between Full/Lite editions of EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
- What do I need to start working with EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
- What is the difference between the Export/Import functions in SQL Manager and the Data Export/Import utilities?
- What is the difference between the Design Query module in SQL Manager and the SQL Query for PostgreSQL utility?
- What is the difference between the Extract Database function in SQL Manager for PostgreSQL and the DB Extract for PostgreSQL standalone utility?
Common questions
- I've registered the DB, but on attempt to open it the "dynamic library libpq.dll not found" message appears.
- I can't modify DDL. Why?
- How can I customize data formats in grid?
- I need to perform some changes in database objects of my test database and then make the same changes on master database. Are there any tools for this purpose in SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
- When I create database objects, their names are always converted to lower case. How I can prevent it?
- I am trying to create a report in Report Designer, but I can't get access to the table data: 'Band data source' list is empty.
- How can I speed up my work with large tables?
- I have a table with appr. 1000 records only, and a large number of columns. Opening this table on the 'Data' tab takes too much time.
- I get error 'Timeout expired' when I try to execute a query in Query Data or when I perform some operations with database objects.
Export/Import questions
- I'm trying to export data from a table, but TEXT columns are not exported.
- What is the difference between the "Extract Database" and "Export as SQL Script" functions?
- How can I change the default directory where exported data are saved?
Question/answer list
Product questions
Q: What is EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
A: EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL is a powerful tool for PostgreSQL database server administration and development. SQL Manager for PostgreSQL works with any PostgreSQL versions up to 17 and supports all of the latest PostgreSQL features. It offers plenty of powerful tools for experienced users to satisfy all their needs. SQL Manager for PostgreSQL has a new state-of-the-art graphical user interface with well-described wizard system, so clear in use that even a newbie will not be confused with it.
Q: What is the difference between Full/Lite editions of EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
A: These editions of SQL Manager for PostgreSQL differ in price and features. To register SQL Manager for PostgreSQL, see the Purchase page, and to learn about the difference in features please go to our Feature Matrix page.
Q: What do I need to start working with EMS SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
A: First of all you must have a possibility to connect to some local or remote PostgreSQL server to work with SQL Manager for PostgreSQL. You can download PostgreSQL server from https://www.postgresql.org/downloads (download is free). Besides, you need your workstation to satisfy the system requirements of SQL Manager for PostgreSQL.
Q: What is the difference between the Export/Import functions in SQL Manager and the Data Export/Import utilities?
A: The Data Export/Import for PostgreSQL utilities include some additional features which are not available in SQL Manager, such as:
- export/import data from/to several tables simultaneously;
- export/import data from/to tables selected from different databases on one host;
- a command-line utility to export/import data using the configuration file with all the export/import options.
Q: What is the difference between the Design Query module in SQL Manager and the SQL Query for PostgreSQL utility?
A: First of all, SQL Query for PostgreSQL works faster as it is a much lighter product. Besides, it provides additional features for query building, e.g.:
- keeping query history which allows you to rollback to any edited query;
- various interface improvements for more productive and easier work.
Q: What is the difference between the Extract Database function in SQL Manager for PostgreSQL and the DB Extract for PostgreSQL standalone utility?
A: The DB Extract for PostgreSQL utility includes some additional features which are not available in SQL Manager, such as:
- extracting metadata and/or data from several databases on one host;
- a console application for performing extract in one-touch;
- faster extraction speed.
Common questions
Q: I've registered the DB, but on attempt to open it the "dynamic library libpq.dll not found" message appears.
A: Please make sure that the libpq.dll file exists in the SQL Manager for PostgreSQL directory. Reinstallation of the application can solve the problem.
A: The DDL tab of the SQL Manager editors is read-only. It displays object structure as SQL text and reflects the operations you perform over the object under other editor tabs. To modify an object, you can copy the text to the clipboard and edit it using SQL Script Editor. For more details refer to Viewing object DDL structure.
Q: How can I customize data formats in grid?
A: You can customize all display formats: integer, float, date, time and datetime using the Color & Formats page of the Environment Options dialog.
Q: I need to perform some changes in database objects of my test database and then make the same changes on master database. Are there any tools for this purpose in SQL Manager for PostgreSQL?
A: The Database Registration Info dialog provides the Logs section where you can enable logging metadata changes performed over the database and/or SQL queries executed in Query Data.
Q: When I create database objects, their names are always converted to lower case. How I can prevent it?
A: Please try to switch off the "Convert created objects' names to lower case" option within the Object Editors section of the Environment Options dialog.
Q: I am trying to create a report in Report Designer, but I can't get access to the table data: 'Band data source' list is empty.
A: It is recommended to use Create Report wizard which is run by right-clicking the Reports node in DB Explorer and selecting the 'New Report...' context menu item. The wizard will create all necessary data sources.
If you still want to use Report Designer, to get the data source in a report, you need to add database and query components to the report.
Q: How can I speed up my work with large tables?
A: For your convenience and to speed up your work, the Data Grid allows customizing a number of data display parameters. Here are the most important of them (accessible through the Grid | Data Options section of the Environment Options dialog):
- Limit options in table and view editors. The 'Select all records of a table' option will enable you to see all table records without extra references to the server, yet in case of large tables or low speed connection channel the data may be fetched with huge delays and the incoming traffic might grow considerably. This mode is recommended when working with local databases or in a private network. The 'Select only' mode restricts the maximum number of records returned after the query. A man cannot process a massive amount of information at once. Hence, we came up with this mode. This mode speeds up table data viewing considerably, prevents hanging and connection timeout. It is recommended to work with large tables, in case of low speed connection channels and when the traffic volume is of importance. This is the default mode. When in this mode, enabling the 'Use SQL sorting in data view' and 'Use SQL filter in data view' options comes really helpful.
- Default Grid Mode. This option defines whether the requested rows will be loaded in the Grid all at once ('Load all rows'), or in parts ('Load visible rows') as the user scrolls down table data. The first mode increases the query opening time, but speeds up scrolling. In the second mode the query opens very fast, but there might be delays when navigating the grid.
We recommend that you set the following option values to achieve maximum efficiency when working with large tables:
- Select only – ON
- Load visible rows – ON
Q: I have a table with appr. 1000 records only, and a large number of columns. Opening this table on the 'Data' tab takes too much time.
A: You need to set the Grid Mode for the table to 'Load Visible Rows'. Please right click within the table grid and select the 'Grid Mode' | 'Load Visible Rows' context menu item.
Q: I get error 'Timeout expired' when I try to execute a query in Query Data or when I perform some operations with database objects.
A: You need to increase timeout values within the Tools | Timeouts section of the Environment Options dialog, or set them to 0 (unlimited).
Export/Import questions
Q: I'm trying to export data from a table, but TEXT columns are not exported.
A: Columns of type TEXT are not exported by default. You should select these columns manually at the Selecting columns for export step.
Q: What is the difference between the "Extract Database" and "Export as SQL Script" functions?
A: Export as SQL Script is intended for exporting table data that will be inserted into a database system other than PostgreSQL. Use Extract Database Wizard to copy metadata and/or data to a database on PostgreSQL afterwards.
Q: How can I change the default directory where exported data are saved?
A: Follow the steps below to change the default directory:
1. Right-click the database alias in DB Explorer and select the 'Database Registration Info...' context menu item (you can also find this item in the 'Database' main menu) to open the Database Registration Info dialog.
2. Proceed to the Directories section within the dialog.
3. Set the 'Default directory for Export Data'.
If you still have any questions, contact us at our Support Center.
