SQL Data Dictionary vs tbls
SQL Data Dictionary
sqldatadictionary.comtbls
github.comSide by side
| Figure | SQL Data Dictionary | tbls |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Database Documentation Tools | 6.7 (#23) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Output formats | It can generate PDF, HTML, or XML documentation. | tbls can output Markdown, DOT, PlantUML, Mermaid, SVG, PNG, JPG, JSON, YAML, Excel, and configuration files. |
| Purpose | The product generates database documentation for SQL Server databases. | tbls is a CI-friendly tool written in Go for documenting databases. |
Plans
SQL Data Dictionary
- SQL Data Dictionary Single User License$149.99, paid once
In their own words
SQL Data Dictionary
SQL Data Dictionary has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
tbls
tbls is a command-line tool for documenting databases and checking their schemas. It generates GitHub Flavored Markdown and can export schema information in formats including DOT, PlantUML, Mermaid, SVG, PNG, JPG, JSON, YAML, Excel, and configuration files. Its configurable lint rules can require column comments or set column-count limits. The `diff` command compares a database schema with generated documentation or another database, while `coverage` measures documentation for descriptions and comments. Documented data sources include PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, BigQuery, Cloud Spanner, Amazon Redshift, SQL Server, Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric Warehouse, DynamoDB, Snowflake, MongoDB, ClickHouse, Databricks, JSON, HTTP, and GitHub. Docker and a GitHub Action are documented for CI use, and external drivers can extend database support. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, or in a self-hosted setup. The listed plan is free under the MIT License. SQL Server requires version 2017 or later and database compatibility level 110 or higher.