Re: Toad Alternative(plus a comment on tool costs)

It is free and technically does everything that is true. But that is like someone saying they are looking for a gui (which they are presumably if they are using TOAD currently)and telling them that they can do everything from the command line. It is strictly speaking true, but it isnt really what they want/need.

Besides, sqlplus isnt multithreaded last time I looked although you are certainly free to fire it up as many times as you like if you so desire.

I have used PL/SQL developer for several years and am a big fan. It isnt 0 cost but it isnt too expensive ($180+$60/yr maintenance).

When ever I am looking at the cost of a tool for someone I do a quick estimate of how much time they are going to waste as a result of not having the tool and how much that costs them in terms of salary. It is truly amazing how many tools become an easier sell when you realize that even if they save you an hour a week they are a net benefit. Of course "tools" usually comes out of a different bit of the budget than "salary" so that is always a fun conversation. Personally I think this little exercise is just as valid for "personal" tools for a small shop (solo consultant for instance) because anything that increases your productivity and/or cuts the amount of overtime that is required is a good thing if the costs make sense.

Rob

and yes I need to get a real newsfeed Received on Sat Jul 23 2005 - 07:41:36 CDT