Short answer: DataGrip by JetBrains is a database IDE for many database engines, built on the Java-based JetBrains Runtime. SQLlightspeed is built only for Oracle: a native app for macOS, Linux and Windows with a PL/SQL debugger, creation wizards for 16 Oracle object types and a DBA panel — and a local object index that keeps 200,000+ object schemas instant.
Why Oracle teams look for a DataGrip alternative
- They work only with Oracle. SQLlightspeed puts all of its effort into Oracle: PL/SQL debugging, compiling with compiler warnings, “where used” via PL/Scope, DBMS_OUTPUT, Oracle-specific creation wizards and a DBA panel for sessions, blockers and wait events.
- They want a lighter app. JetBrains lists 8 GB of total RAM, with 3 GB available for the IDE, as DataGrip’s system requirement, and bundles the Java-based JetBrains Runtime. SQLlightspeed is a native app with no Java runtime.
- They work on very large schemas. SQLlightspeed keeps a local object index: a full sync of 200,000 objects takes about 0.1 seconds and every search after that is answered locally in under 50 ms (our measurements on a 200,000-object IFS schema).
Side by side
| SQLlightspeed | DataGrip | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on macOS, Linux, Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Databases | Oracle only | many database engines |
| Java runtime | none | JetBrains Runtime, bundled |
| Oracle Client | not needed | not needed (Thin driver) |
| Listed RAM requirement | — | 8 GB total, 3 GB for the IDE |
DataGrip details from JetBrains’ installation guide and Oracle connection guide, as of 12 October 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us at info@dbo.com.tr.
What you get in SQLlightspeed
- PL/SQL debugger for packages, procedures and functions.
- Compile with compiler warnings, “where used” via PL/Scope, DBMS_OUTPUT panel, explain plan and SQL formatting.
- Creation wizards for 16 Oracle object types: tables, views, materialized views, indexes, sequences, synonyms, types, procedures, functions, packages, triggers, database links, scheduler jobs, directories, users and roles.
- DBA panel: sessions, active sessions, blocked sessions, invalid objects and top wait events.
- ⌘P search across every object and a million-row virtual grid.
- One Oracle session per worksheet — a long-running query never blocks another worksheet or freezes the UI.
- Production safety: a red banner on production connections, confirmation before destructive statements, and passwords kept only in the operating system’s credential store.
When DataGrip is still the right choice
If you work across several database engines — Oracle alongside PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server and others — one tool for all of them is a real advantage, and DataGrip is built for exactly that. SQLlightspeed is for people whose day is Oracle, and who want a tool that goes deep on Oracle rather than wide.
Questions
Does SQLlightspeed support databases other than Oracle?
No. SQLlightspeed is built only for Oracle Database. If you need one tool for several database engines, a multi-database IDE such as DataGrip may suit you better.
Does SQLlightspeed need Java or an Oracle Client?
No. SQLlightspeed is a native app that connects to Oracle directly; there is no Java runtime, Oracle Client or Instant Client to install.
Can I debug PL/SQL in SQLlightspeed?
Yes. SQLlightspeed includes a PL/SQL debugger for packages, procedures and functions, and can compile units with debug information so the debugger does not need to recompile them.
How do I try SQLlightspeed?
Every installation starts with a 30-day free trial with all features. Write to info@dbo.com.tr to start your trial. After the trial a license is $20 per month or $200 per year.
Other comparisons: PL/SQL Developer · Toad · SQL Developer
DataGrip is a trademark of JetBrains s.r.o. Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. Mentioned for comparison purposes only — SQLlightspeed is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.