Writing Queries

Scratchpad uses a SQL code editor for custom database queries. It supports SQL syntax highlighting, statement execution from the editor, query history, and result rendering below the cell.

Basic Query Flow

SELECT *
FROM users
LIMIT 10;

Running Part Of A Query

If you select SQL text in the editor and press Cmd/Ctrl + Enter, WhoDB runs the selected SQL. If nothing is selected, it runs the editor content.

This is useful for keeping related statements in one cell while testing only one statement at a time.

SELECT Queries

SELECT queries return an interactive grid.

SELECT id, username, email
FROM users
ORDER BY id
LIMIT 25;

Aggregate Queries

Aggregate queries work like any other SQL your database accepts.

SELECT COUNT(*) AS total_users
FROM users;

Joins

Use normal SQL joins for your database engine.

SELECT u.id, u.username, p.amount
FROM users u
JOIN payments p ON p.user_id = u.id
ORDER BY p.amount DESC
LIMIT 25;

Action Queries

Action queries such as INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE are supported when your database credentials allow them.

UPDATE users
SET status = 'inactive'
WHERE id = 42;

WhoDB detects destructive SQL and asks for confirmation before execution.

Errors

Syntax errors and database runtime errors are displayed below the editor.

Use a smaller query to isolate the failure:

SELECT 1;

Then add tables, joins, filters, and ordering back one step at a time.

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