Improve your Productivity while using Oracle SQL Developer

Posted on by Manpreet Singh

In our fast-paced world, where even your coffee needs a coffee, being productive is key—especially if you’re a developer wrangling with databases all day. Oracle SQL Developer is a trusty sidekick for managing databases, but let’s face it, many of us aren’t exactly milking it for all it’s worth. This article will reveal the hidden gems—shortcuts and settings—that can turn you into a SQL ninja, slicing through tasks with speed and precision. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or have been swimming in SQL for years, these tips will make your database chores a breeze.

  1. Quickly Open a New Worksheet with Alt + F10: Need a fresh workspace in a flash? Just hit Alt + F10 in Oracle SQL Developer, and voilà—a new worksheet is ready to go. No menu hunting, just instant productivity at your fingertips.
  2. Edit Multiple Lines Simultaneously with Block Selections: Tired of playing whack-a-mole with code changes? Oracle SQL Developer’s Block Selections has your back. Just hit Edit > Block Selections, hold SHIFT, and arrow your way to simultaneous edits. It’s like cloning yourself to tackle all those pesky lines at once—no more repetitive keystrokes, just speedy coding bliss.
  3. Customize Your Output with SQLFORMAT: Need your data served just right? Oracle SQL Developer’s SQLFORMAT command is like your personal data chef. Whether you crave JSON, CSV, or XML, just sprinkle in a comment like /*json*/ in your query, or set the format globally with Set SQLFORMAT json;—and voilà, your results are perfectly plated. To switch back, just say the magic words: Set SQLFORMAT;. Just remember, this works only if you run it as a script, not as a statement—so you can easily export and share your data in style. Script Format
  4. Instantly Format Your SQL Code with Ctrl + F7: Is your SQL code looking a bit like a tangled mess? Hit Ctrl + F7 in Oracle SQL Developer, and watch your code snap into shape, neat and tidy. It’s like a magic broom for your queries, making them easier to read, debug, and share. Don’t like the shortcut? No worries—customize it in Preferences > Shortcuts. Keep your code looking sharp and ready for showtime!
  5. Work More Efficiently with Split Windows: Wish you had extra eyes for your code? Oracle SQL Developer’s split window feature is the next best thing. Just right-click your worksheet, hit Split, and voilà—multiple windows to tackle different parts of your code at once. Need even more organization? Go ahead and Split into New Tab Group. It’s like having your code on widescreen, perfect for comparing, referencing, and multitasking like a pro. Split Windows
  6. Easily Switch Between Tabs with Ctrl + Tab + Tab: Got too many tabs open? No problem! Just hit Ctrl + Tab + Tab in Oracle SQL Developer, and you can zip through your open worksheets like a pro. No more clicking around—just quick, smooth tab surfing to keep your workflow on point.
  7. Easily Identify Connections with Color Coding: Avoid database mix-ups with a splash of color! Oracle SQL Developer lets you color-code your connections, so you can easily tell development from production at a glance. Just head to Connection > Properties > Color, pick your hue, and never accidentally run a query in the wrong environment again. It’s like giving your databases their own stylish name tags!
  8. Quickly Access Previous Statements with Ctrl + Up/Down: Need to revisit a past query without the hassle of retyping? Just hit Ctrl + Up/Down in Oracle SQL Developer to scroll through your SQL history like a pro. Whether tweaking an old command or digging up a past masterpiece, these shortcuts let you time-travel through your code, saving you both time and keystrokes.
  9. Automatically Run SQL at Startup: Want Oracle SQL Developer to hit the ground running? Set it up to auto-run your SQL scripts as soon as you launch. Just head to Preferences > Database, pick your script, and let it do the setup for you. It’s like having a personal assistant that preps your workspace while you’re still brewing your coffee! Startup Script
  10. Quickly Search and Navigate with Alt + G: Lost in your database jungle? Hit Alt + G in Oracle SQL Developer and instantly find what you’re looking for—tables, views, or procedures. It’s like having a GPS for your database, so you can zoom straight to your destination and save yourself from the search-and-scroll marathon. Search Objects
  11. Speed Up Coding with Code Templates: Tired of typing the same SQL code over and over? Oracle SQL Developer’s Code Templates let you set up reusable snippets and shortcuts, so you can whip up complex queries in no time. Just go to Preferences > Code Editor > Code Templates and save your fingers from repetitive strain. It’s like having a personal code assistant that works faster than you can say “snippet”! Code Templates

In a nutshell, diving into Oracle SQL Developer’s features and shortcuts can seriously up your productivity game. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll zip through tasks, code like a pro, and navigate your work with ease. Check out these tips and turn your SQL Developer experience from a slog into a breeze!