When I switched my main workstation to macOS, I hit an unexpected wall: managing Microsoft SQL Server outside of Windows.
For years, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) was my daily driver. Once on a Mac, the reality set in quickly:
- SSMS is strictly Windows-only.
- Azure Data Studio was discontinued.
- Available alternatives either hid behind steep paywalls or lacked the essential everyday workflows I relied on.
That gap pushed me to start building EZQL.
The Vision
I didn't just want a lightweight data viewer. My goal is to build a unified, cross-platform client (macOS, Linux, and Windows) that steadily works toward the depth and feature parity of SSMS—while keeping the interface modern, focused, and intuitive.
Windows users aren't left behind either; the idea is to provide a consistent, native-feeling experience across any OS without unnecessary bloat.
The Ongoing Journey
- Building a database client from scratch is full of interesting engineering challenges:
- Streamlining query execution flows.
- Efficient schema handling and state persistence.
- Building clean, responsive result grids that stay out of the way.
Let's Discuss
To anyone working with SQL Server across macOS, Linux, or Windows:
What are the non-negotiable SSMS features or workflows you rely on the most every day?
