# HeidiSQL

Application: Ansgar Becker

Also called heidisql, heidisql mariadb

Ansgar Becker, Productivity

Windows SQL GUI popular for MariaDB and MySQL. The process is heidisql.exe. It is not DBeaver.

## What you need to know

HeidiSQL is a Windows SQL GUI. It is not DBeaver.

heidisql.exe is a native MariaDB/MySQL client. DBeaver is a Java multi-engine IDE. Neither is the database server.

- **What is it?**: SQL desktop client

  **Still current?**: Yes, see Current status

  **Official download?**: Use the vendor link in this article

Feex says

If heidisql.exe cannot connect, I check the server and port. I do not install DBeaver as a substitute for a down mysqld.

## What is HeidiSQL?

heidisql.exe talks to MariaDB, MySQL, and some other engines Ansgar documents. It does not replace DBeaver's multi-engine workspace, and it is not mysqld.

## If you have never used it

If you administer MariaDB or MySQL on Windows, HeidiSQL is the small native GUI many people use. Download it from heidisql.com. DBeaver is a Java, multi-engine IDE. This is not a database server.

## What is it used for?

**Browse MariaDB and MySQL**

Trees, queries, and exports. DBeaver does this plus many other engines in a Java UI.

**Run SQL and export**

CSV and SQL dumps. This is a client. The server is still MariaDB or MySQL.

**Saved sessions**

Windows-native session list. DBeaver workspaces are a different file format.

## Who is it for?

- Windows admins of MariaDB or MySQL
- People who find DBeaver heavy
- Anyone who thought HeidiSQL was the server

## Current status

HeidiSQL (2006) is a current sql desktop client from Ansgar Becker. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.heidisql.com/download.php.

## How old is it?

HeidiSQL has been a Windows MySQL/MariaDB client since 2006. DBeaver is a later, broader Java tool. phpMyAdmin is web, not this exe.

## Versions

Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.

HeidiSQL current

## System requirements

Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.

### Minimum

| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| RAM              | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more.          |

## Resource profile

- **CPU demand**: Follows what you open inside the app

  **RAM demand**: Follows documents, tabs, or libraries

## Installed processes

These executables belong to this product when it is installed.

| heidisql.exe | Main Windows executable |
| ------------ | ----------------------- |

## Startup components

HeidiSQL does not need to start with Windows.

## File locations

| Typical install | C:\Program Files\HeidiSQL\\ |
| --------------- | --------------------------- |

## File formats

SQL, CSV

## Common problems

### Installed HeidiSQL and expected a running server

This is a client. Install MariaDB, MySQL, or Laragon if you need a server.

### Wanted PostgreSQL-first like DBeaver

HeidiSQL's sweet spot is MariaDB/MySQL. DBeaver is the broader sibling.

## Getting unstuck

### Install from heidisql.com/download.php

Installer or portable. Skip "HeidiSQL Pro" ads.

### Test the same host and port with the mysql CLI if the GUI fails

Firewall and bind-address are server issues. DBeaver would fail the same way.

### Export a dump from Tools, not by copying Program Files

A folder copy is not a backup. heidisql.com/help.php covers export.

## Alternatives

DBeaver is the multi-engine Java IDE. MySQL Workbench is Oracle's official GUI. DB Browser for SQLite is for local SQLite files.

## Official help and downloads

Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.

| Download      | [www.heidisql.com/download.php ](https://www.heidisql.com/download.php)Official installer or vendor page |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Help          | [www.heidisql.com/help.php ](https://www.heidisql.com/help.php)Vendor support                            |
| Official site | [www.heidisql.com/download.php ](https://www.heidisql.com/download.php)Start here, not a random exe host |

## Related hardware

The client is light. The database server and the query you run set CPU and RAM.

## Technical details

Technical details

Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[DB Browser for SQLite: Application](https://feex.it/wiki/software/sqlite-browser)[How to read Task Manager: Guide](https://feex.it/wiki/software/system/how-to-read-task-manager)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [HeidiSQL official site ](https://www.heidisql.com/download.php)· Vendor product page
- [HeidiSQL help ](https://www.heidisql.com/help.php)· Vendor support
- [Foxhole process map ](https://foxhole.feex.it/)· First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

## Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.

Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Developer**: Ansgar Becker

  **Category**: SQL desktop client

  **Process**: heidisql.exe

  **License**: GPL

  **First released**: 2006

  **Official site**: [heidisql.com/download](https://www.heidisql.com/download.php)

  **Mapped by Feex**: Seen on Windows PCs in Foxhole

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

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Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/software/heidisql/)

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