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A DataGrip alternative
inside VS Code.

DataGrip is a polished database IDE, if you want another IDE. DBCode brings the same job into the editor you already use.

The short version

DataGrip is JetBrains quality: excellent schema tools, solid autocomplete, deep SQL support. If you live in JetBrains IDEs, it fits right in, and since late 2025 it is free for non-commercial use.

The question is whether your database tool should be a second IDE at all. DBCode does the same daily work, browsing, querying, editing, diagrams, inside VS Code, Cursor, or Windsurf. Your database sits in a tab next to the code that talks to it, and the AI you already pay for (Copilot) can read schemas and run queries through DBCode's tools instead of needing a separate JetBrains AI plan for commercial use.

At a glance

DBCode vs DataGrip.

DBCode DataGrip
What it is VS Code extension Standalone JetBrains IDE
Runs in VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf Its own window
Price Free tier, Pro $36/year $109/year (free for non-commercial use)
Databases 80+ 25+ officially supported
AI Copilot, MCP, local LLMs included JetBrains AI: free tier, Pro from $10/month
License model Subscription or lifetime, perpetual after 12 months Subscription with fallback license
Feature by feature

What's in the box.

DBCode DataGrip
Runs in VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf
SQL editor with autocomplete
Visual query builder
Schema ERD
Data grid editing
SQL notebooks (SQL + markdown)
Data explore (charts, stats, drill-down)
AI natural language queries Via JetBrains AI
AI data grid (filter, sort, chart via NL)
MCP server (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
Local LLMs / BYOK (Ollama, OpenAI)
Execution plans
SSH tunnels (built-in)
Cloud providers (Neon, Supabase, Turso, Azure)
Real-time streaming (LISTEN/NOTIFY, change streams)
Secure sharing (encrypted links)
Free tier Yes, unlimited connections Non-commercial use only

Verified July 2026 against jetbrains.com. DataGrip price is the individual commercial tier, first year. Spot an inaccuracy? Let us know. Want the wider picture? See the full comparison table.

Why switch

Why VS Code people switch:

  • One window, one editor. No second IDE to launch, learn, and keep updated. Database work uses the keybindings and theme you already have.
  • AI without another subscription. DBCode gives Copilot schema and query tools, auto-registers an MCP server, and supports local models via Ollama. For commercial use, JetBrains AI Pro is a separate $10/month on top of DataGrip.
  • Wider engine coverage. 80+ databases against DataGrip's 25+ officially supported, including the NoSQL and cloud engines in every DBCode edition.
To be fair

When DataGrip is the better fit.

  • You're a JetBrains person. If IntelliJ, PyCharm, or the All Products Pack is home, DataGrip integrates with your existing workflow and license. Switching editors to change database tools would be backwards.
  • Non-commercial work. DataGrip's non-commercial license (since October 2025) makes it genuinely free for learning and hobby projects.
  • Deep refactoring across large SQL codebases. JetBrains' rename and usage analysis across attached SQL files remains a strength.
FAQ

Common questions.

Is DataGrip still paid?
For commercial work, yes: $109 a year for individuals as of the October 2025 pricing. Since October 2025 JetBrains also offers DataGrip free for non-commercial use (learning, open source, hobby projects).
Do I need a separate AI subscription with DBCode?
No. DBCode works with the Copilot you already have, registers an MCP server automatically, and supports local models through Ollama or your own OpenAI key. JetBrains AI has a free tier, with AI Pro starting at $10 a month on top of the IDE.
I use IntelliJ or PyCharm. Should I switch?
Probably not. If your code lives in JetBrains IDEs, DataGrip (or the bundled database tools) keeps everything in one ecosystem. DBCode is for people whose editor is VS Code, Cursor, or Windsurf.
How do I move my connections over?
DBCode imports connections from CSV and JSON files with custom field mappings, plus Azure Data Studio and pgAdmin formats. Run "DBCode: Import Connections" from the command palette.

DBCode is rated 4.7 ★ from 71 reviews on the VS Code Marketplace, with 790,000+ installs across the VS Code Marketplace and Open VSX.

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