Creating Tables
Zequel provides a visual table builder through the CreateTableDialog. You can define the table name, add columns with types and constraints, and preview the generated SQL before executing.
Opening the Dialog
Right-click on a database or schema node in the sidebar tree and select Create Table, or use the equivalent menu action. The dialog opens with a pre-populated id column (integer, primary key, auto increment) and one empty column row ready for input.
Table Name and Comment
At the top of the dialog, enter:
- Table Name -- Required. Spaces are automatically replaced with underscores.
- Comment -- Optional. A description for the table.
Defining Columns
Columns are defined in a tabular editor with the following fields per row:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The column name. Spaces are replaced with underscores. |
| Type | Select from a searchable combobox of data types available for the connected database engine. Types are loaded dynamically. |
| Length | Shown for types that support a length parameter (e.g. VARCHAR). |
| Primary Key | Checkbox. Only one column can be the primary key at a time -- checking a new column unchecks the previous one. Setting a column as primary key also sets it to NOT NULL. |
| Auto Increment | Checkbox. Only enabled when the column is marked as primary key. |
| Not Null | Checkbox. Disabled and forced on for primary key columns. |
| Unique | Checkbox. Disabled for primary key columns (primary keys are inherently unique). |
| Default | A text field for the default value. Leave empty for no default. |
Adding and Removing Columns
- Click the Add Column button to append a new column row.
- Click the trash icon at the right of a column row to remove it. At least one column must remain.
SQL Preview
Click Show SQL Preview to see the complete CREATE TABLE statement that will be executed. For example:
CREATE TABLE "products" (
"id" INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
"name" VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
"price" DECIMAL(10,2) NOT NULL,
"description" TEXT,
"created_at" TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);The preview updates in real time as you modify the column definitions.
Executing
Click Create Table to execute the statement. The button is disabled until a table name is provided and at least one column has a name. After successful creation, the sidebar tree refreshes to show the new table.