PostgreSQL Workbench documentation

Set up a development database, then choose the guide for schema navigation, SQL scratchpads, pgTAP coverage, PL/pgSQL debugging, or the standalone DAP server.

Start with a development database

1. Run PostgreSQL Workbench: Add Server.
2. Set the DatabaseContext active. Sources and the Cockpit follow this explicit context.
3. Expand Sources or run Reindex Active Database to index PostgreSQL structure.

For a disposable local environment, run PL/pgSQL: Start Local Debug Database (Docker). PostgreSQL 17 and 127.0.0.1:5432 are the defaults; database, user, and password are all postgres.

Use those fixed credentials only for a local container. Never expose it on 0.0.0.0 or a remote host.

Choose a guide

• Workbench Cockpit — index structure, navigate relations, and understand every control.
• SQL scratchpads — bind notebooks, execute SQL, and work safely with results.
• pgTAP and coverage — discover tests, calculate coverage, and understand the limits.
• PL/pgSQL debugger — prepare PostgreSQL, launch sessions, step, and inspect values.
• Standalone DAP server — integrate the debugger engine with another editor or DAP client.
• Commands and settings — browse the complete generated reference.