WhoDB Documentation

WhoDB is an open-source database management tool designed for exploring, querying, and visualizing data across multiple database types.

Key capabilities include:

• Multi-Database Support: Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Redis, and more.
• Visual Schema Explorer: Interactive graph visualizations of table relationships and foreign keys.
• Query Interface: Syntax-highlighted SQL editor with history tracking and result visualization.
• Data Management: Spreadsheet-like grid for viewing, adding, editing, and deleting records.
• Mock Data Generation: Tools to generate realistic test data with configurable row counts and modes (append or overwrite).
• Export Capabilities: Export data to CSV, Excel, or JSON Lines (for supported sources like MongoDB).

The WhoDB interface is navigated via a left sidebar. The available navigation items depend on your connected data source:

• Storage Units: The default view for browsing tables, collections, views, or similar objects. Use the search field at the top to filter object names.
• Chat: Available when AI chat is configured with a provider and model.
• Graph: Used for relationship visualization.
• Scratchpad: Used for custom query execution.
• Settings: Access the settings page if enabled.

WhoDB and DBeaver serve different database management needs.

WhoDB is a lightweight, web-based alternative optimized for speed, modern infrastructure, and team collaboration. It is best for fast workflows, development work, and remote/mobile access via a browser.

DBeaver is a comprehensive, feature-heavy desktop IDE designed for power users. It is best for managing highly diverse database environments (50+ types) and performing complex operations like advanced query profiling and visual query building.

WhoDB provides several features not found in TablePlus:

• Mock Data Generation: Built-in realistic test data generation for supported column types.
• Interactive Schema Graph: Visual schema exploration with relationship lines, node cards, and data actions.
• Multi-Cell Notebooks: Organize queries into cells similar to Jupyter notebooks for complex workflows.
• Team Collaboration: Central web server for team access and easy sharing of database connections.
• Web-Based Access: Access from any browser on any device (Mac, Windows, Linux, iPad).

WhoDB and TablePlus are both database management tools, but they serve different primary use cases:

WhoDB (Web-Based Solution)

• Best for: Teams, Docker deployments, cross-platform access, and open-source projects.
• Key Features: Free (Open Source), web-based (any browser), multi-database support, built-in mock data generation, interactive schema graphs, and multi-cell notebooks.
• Deployment: Central server deployment (Go server + browser UI) allowing team access via a single URL.

TablePlus (Native Desktop Experience)

• Best for: Individual developers, Mac users, and professionals seeking a polished native application.
• Key Features: Paid (one-time license), native desktop app (Mac, Windows, Linux), offline access, and advanced export formats (PDF, XML).
• Deployment: Local desktop installation on each device.

The WhoDB data page provides several tools for inspecting and managing data:

• Object Metadata: Displays the object name and total row count.
• Search Input: Filters currently loaded row values.
• Page Size Selector: Controls how many rows are displayed at once.
• Where Condition Builder: Allows for backend database filtering.
• Query Button: Reloads the data based on the current WHERE conditions.
• Scratchpad: An optional embedded drawer for running commands.
• Data Grid: Includes row checkboxes, sortable headers, row context menus, pagination, import, export, and an Add Row option (when supported by the source).

WhoDB follows a 'Clean Terminal' design philosophy, prioritizing functional density, monochrome confidence, and zero decorative noise. The system is designed to be a lightweight, high-performance interface for infrastructure professionals, avoiding the clutter of legacy database tools and the decorative bloat of modern SaaS products.

Key Principles:

• Information as Interface: The design removes itself so data can speak.
• Monochrome Dominance: Uses a restrained palette with a single blue accent used sparingly (≤10% surface coverage).
• Tonal Layering: Depth is achieved through tonal layering (surface → muted surface → code surface) rather than shadows.
• Typography Hierarchy: Uses the Inter variable font family with varying weights to establish hierarchy without font pairing.
• Mode Parity: Light and dark modes are treated as equal citizens.

When AWS discovery is enabled (in Production and Self-Hosted stacks), WhoDB automatically discovers the following resources in the same region:

• RDS instances (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB)
• ElastiCache clusters (Redis)
• DocumentDB clusters (MongoDB-compatible)

Discovered databases will appear on the WhoDB login page. Note that discovery only finds the endpoints; you must still provide the correct credentials to connect. The WhoDB task role is granted read-only permissions (rds:Describe*, elasticache:Describe*, docdb:Describe*) and cannot modify your databases.

The WhoDB web interface is a modern React-based UI designed for speed and ease of use. Key features include:

• Spreadsheet-like data grid: Familiar interface for editing data.
• Dark mode support: For comfortable working environments.
• Navigation: Sidebar navigation with schema hierarchy.
• Search & Filtering: Search across loaded rows or use server-side filtering with WHERE conditions.
• Visualization: Interactive schema and relationship graphs (supports PNG export, pan, and zoom).
• Context Menus: Right-click menus for common actions.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: For power users.