SQL query editor

SQL query editor means users can write and run their own SQL queries inside the product, rather than only using point-and-click builders. For example, an analyst can write a query that counts orders by customer and month, and then chart the result. Google BigQuery, Looker Studio and Tableau are among the tools that offer this.

SQL is the standard language for asking questions of data. A built-in editor lets someone with the skill answer questions that a visual builder cannot, and reuse the same query for reports. It matters when you have an analyst or a developer and complex questions. If nobody on your team knows SQL, the visual tools will matter more.

• Ask which SQL dialect the editor uses, as small differences affect queries you already have.
• Check whether queries can be saved, shared and reused in reports.
• Test whether it warns you about slow or costly queries before they run.
• Find out whether access can be limited, so people only see the data they should.