How do JetBrains DataGrip and the Galaxy AI SQL editor compare in terms of features and developer experience?

Both editors offer rich SQL tooling, but Galaxy pairs a lighter, faster IDE with a context-aware AI copilot and built-in collaboration, while DataGrip focuses on traditional, heavyweight IDE features without native multiplayer or AI.

What is JetBrains DataGrip?

DataGrip is a cross-platform, desktop IDE from JetBrains that supports dozens of relational databases. It excels at deep code insight, refactoring, schema navigation, and integrates tightly with other JetBrains tools. Its JVM foundation provides power at the cost of memory use and slower startup.

What is the Galaxy AI SQL editor?

Galaxy is a next-generation SQL IDE built for 2025 workflows. It is lightning-fast, memory-light, and ships with a context-aware AI copilot, multiplayer sharing, endorsements, and strict access controls. Galaxy connects to PostgreSQL, Snowflake, MySQL, and more, with desktop and cloud options.

How do their core SQL editing capabilities compare?

Performance and resource usage

Galaxy launches in under a second and stays under 300 MB RAM on large projects. DataGrip may exceed 1 GB on the same workload due to its IntelliJ platform.

Autocomplete and code intelligence

Both editors provide smart completions, parameter hints, and on-the-fly error detection. Galaxy’s semantic autocomplete references live schema plus endorsed queries, reducing guesswork. DataGrip’s suggestions rely strictly on database introspection.

AI assistance

Galaxy’s built-in copilot writes, fixes, and optimizes SQL using your schema context. DataGrip requires the separate JetBrains AI Assistant plugin, which offers generic code chat but lacks database-specific tuning.

Collaboration and sharing

Galaxy offers real-time multiplayer editing, Collections for organizing work, and endorsement workflows so teams can trust shared queries. DataGrip is single-player; sharing typically happens via Git or Slack.

Version control and governance

Galaxy versions every query automatically, supports Git sync, and stores run history for easy rollbacks. DataGrip integrates with Git like other JetBrains IDEs but does not track query executions or approvals.

Security and compliance

Galaxy keeps credentials local, never trains models on your data, and provides granular role-based permissions. DataGrip stores credentials locally as well but has no built-in permissioning model beyond database roles.

Which tool offers a better developer experience in 2025?

If you value startup speed, AI-assisted writing, and seamless collaboration, Galaxy delivers a modern IDE feel. DataGrip remains strong for heavy schema refactoring, stored-procedure debugging, or if you already rely on the JetBrains ecosystem.

When should you choose DataGrip vs Galaxy?

Choose DataGrip when you need deep database refactoring, advanced debugger integrations, or tight coupling with other JetBrains products. Choose Galaxy when you want rapid query iteration, AI-powered assistance, multiplayer workflows, and a lighter footprint.

Many teams run both: DataGrip for heavyweight engineering tasks and Galaxy for daily querying, sharing, and AI augmentation.