First Steps with DBeaver: Download, Installation, and Configuration

Hello, successful data scientists! In my previous article, we explored in detail why DBeaver, an open-source, cross-platform database tool used to manage various databases, stands out among data management tools and is highly preferred due to the advantages it offers. Now, it’s time to put theory into practice!

In this article, I will explain step by step how to download DBeaver to your computer, how to install it, and how to launch the program.

By the way, while writing this article, a new version of DBeaver (24.2.0) was released on September 1, 2024! I’ve updated my writing to reflect this new version so that you can explore the program and take advantage of the latest features.

If you’re ready, let’s get started!

DBeaver Article Series — Part 2

2. Installation and Initial Configuration

Firstly, DBeaver supports the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows: Windows 10 or later versions.
• Windows Server: Windows Server 2016 or later versions.
• macOS: macOS 11 or later versions.

Java Requirements

You don’t need to install Java separately to use DBeaver. The program includes all the necessary Java components within itself.

Since DBeaver is a Java-based application, it theoretically requires the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). However, here are some important points to note:

1. Java is not installed by default on every computer. It may come pre-installed on some machines.
2. DBeaver version 23.0 and later includes OpenJDK 17 within the application. This means most users won’t need to install Java separately.
3. During installation, DBeaver typically doesn’t prompt or warn about Java requirements because it uses its own embedded version of Java.
4. If Java is already installed on your system, DBeaver can use it. If you prefer to use your locally installed Java, you can delete the “jre” folder in the DBeaver installation directory. However, it is generally more reliable to let DBeaver use its built-in version of Java.
5. If you encounter any errors related to Java during installation, it usually indicates a system issue preventing DBeaver from using its own version of Java.

In conclusion, you don’t need to install Java separately to use DBeaver. The program includes all the Java components it requires.

If you meet these requirements, it’s time to head over to the DBeaver website and download it to your computer!

DBeaver Version: 24.2.0
Operating System: Windows

2.1. Downloading DBeaver

I will guide you through the quickest way to download DBeaver from the official website. Simply follow the steps, and for convenience, we’ll continue with screenshots.

Step 1: Open a web browser and type “dbeaver download” into the search bar. The screen will display both paid and free versions. For individual use, select the free version. Corporate users may choose the paid DBeaver PRO version.

Step 2: Alternatively, you can click directly on https://dbeaver.io/download/.

You should see the following screen.

Here, make sure you are on the DBeaver Community page for the free version.

We will be downloading the latest version, 24.2.0.

Step 3: On the screen that appears, select the option suitable for your operating system. For Windows, click on the “Windows (installer)” option to start the download.

Step 4: Wait for the DBeaver .exe file to download. It is a small file and should not take long.

2.2. Installing DBeaver

Step 1: After downloading the DBeaver .exe file, open the file and start the installation wizard. First, select your preferred language.

Step 2: Proceed by clicking the “Next” button.

Step 3: Check the “I agree” option and proceed.

Step 4: To allow access for all users (Admin or user), select “For anyone who uses this computer (all users)” on the screen that appears and continue by clicking “Next.”

After this step, a black screen or a different screen may appear. Don’t worry; this is normal. Quickly complete the following steps:

• English — OK
• Next
• I Agree

Select these options in order to continue with the installation.

Step 5: Accept the default settings without making any changes, and proceed by clicking “Next.”

Step 6: On the next screen, continue by clicking “Next.”

Step 7: On the next screen, click the “Install” button.

Step 8: Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 9: When the installation is complete, click the “Finish” button to finalize the setup.

The installation is complete.

2.3. Opening DBeaver and Initial Settings

Now let’s open the DBeaver program.

Step 1: Type “DBeaver” into the search bar on your computer and find and open the program.

The DBeaver program will start opening, and now DBeaver will be right in front of you!

When you first open the program, you will see a startup screen without version information

Later, when you close and reopen the program, a startup screen with the version name will appear.

When you first open the DBeaver program, since there are no databases inside, it will ask if you want to set up an example database. You can choose “Yes” to install the sample database.

Additionally, DBeaver will offer you the option to share usage statistics. If you do not wish to share your data, you can check the “Do not share” box and click the “Confirm” button. If you close the window without selecting anything, DBeaver will ask you again each time you open it.

If you don’t want it to ask you repeatedly, you should check the “Do not share” box and click the “Confirm” button, so this window won’t appear again.

If a window like the one below appears on your screen, click the “Download” button.

Wait for the download to complete.

Now, you should see that an example database named SQLite has been created in the upper left corner. When you click on it, you can view its contents.

You might also see a small window labeled “Tip of the Day,” which may change daily. In this window, you can view daily tips by clicking on the blue text. If you want to close the window, you can click the “Close” option or the “X” mark in the upper right corner of the window. (If you have time, I recommend checking out the tips; you may find various details here.)

Now, by clicking on the “Tables” section within the DBeaver Sample Database, you can view the tables that have been created.

DBeaver is now installed and ready to use! You have successfully set up the SQLite sample database locally; you can view and explore this database in the upper left corner.

In this article, we covered the installation and basic configuration of DBeaver. With this step-by-step guide, complete with screenshots, you can easily install DBeaver on your computer and get started if you are new to it or have never used it before.

In the following article, we will discuss how to connect to different types of databases in DBeaver and make your first connection. Specifically, you’ll learn how to connect to a PostgreSQL database in DBeaver and how to write simple queries. We will explore detailed topics like PostgreSQL connections step by step in the next article. Get ready to step into the world of DBeaver!

I hope this will be helpful… Stay with the data!