Installing an IDE

Introduction

For efficient work with databases, writing SQL queries, and managing DB structure, developers use special tools. These can be either full-fledged IDEs or specialized clients. In our course, we will use products from JetBrains, as they are considered the gold standard of convenience.

Unified programs

Starting with version 2025.3, JetBrains implemented a major reform. Now IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm have become unified programs. This means there is no longer a separation into paid (Ultimate) and free (Community Edition) versions upon download.

The most important thing for us is that SQL support and database connectivity are now built-in by default and available for free to all users.

Other JetBrains tools

Full-fledged database work is also supported by other professional programs:

• WebStorm
• PhpStorm
• GoLand
• DataGrip

In all these programs, data tools are part of the basic functionality. If you are using some old software versions where database support is not yet present, you might find the plugin called Database Navigator useful. However, within our training, we recommend simply updating to the current version.

Our path

We will demonstrate work with databases using WebStorm as an example, as it has become completely free for non-commercial development and education. It doesn\'t matter which specific program from the list above you choose. Basic actions, such as connecting to a database, viewing tables, and writing SQL queries, look almost identical in all of them. We will focus on learning the SQL language itself, not on the specifics of one particular program.

Installing WebStorm

Step 1. To install WebStorm, you gotta download it first. Just Google WebStorm or go straight to this link. You’ll see a nice picture like this:

Step 2. Go ahead and click the “Download” button, and the download will start right away. If everything went well, you’ll see a message like this:

Step 3. The right operating system should get picked automatically. But if it doesn’t, you can choose it on this page — download WebStorm:

5.3 Installing WebStorm

After you’ve downloaded the right version of WebStorm, you need to install it. Here are a few key steps:

5.4 WebStorm for Non-Commercial Use

If you’re using these IDEs for non-commercial stuff, like learning, you can use them for free.

1. Start up WebStorm.
2. When it launches, you’ll see a window where you can pick the non-commercial use option.
3. Sign in to your JetBrains account or create a new one.
4. Accept the "Toolbox Subscription Agreement for Non-Commercial Use".
5. Enjoy coding.

If you already started a trial or activated your IDE with a paid license, you can still switch to a non-commercial subscription by doing this:

1. For WebStorm, go to Help | Register.
2. In the window that pops up, hit Remove License.
3. Pick Non-commercial use.
4. Sign in to your JetBrains account or create a new one.
5. Accept the "Toolbox Subscription Agreement for Non-Commercial Use".
6. Enjoy coding.

Creating a Project

After installing WebStorm, all that’s left is to launch it and create your first project. You’ll need this for the next setup steps.

Step 1. Fire up WebStorm. Create a new project—click the New Project button.

Step 2.Next, you need to:

• Pick a folder for your first project (the Location field). If WebStorm suggests the Admin folder by default, it’s better to change it. Fewer headaches later.
• Pick a name for your first project.

Mine looked something like this:

Step 3. If you did everything right, you’ll see a screen like this:

Installing Plugins for Working with Databases

To get full database support in the free (Community) version of the IDE, it’s recommended to install the following plugin:

• Database Navigator — this plugin is required if you’re using the free version of the IDE, since it adds the missing database features you need.
• Shell Script — for editing and running bash scripts right in the IDE. Usually, it’s already installed, but make sure it’s enabled.

To install plugins, open the IDE settings File → Settings for Windows/Linux or [IDE Name] → Settings/Preferences for macOS and go to the Plugins section.

We’ll cover how to connect to a database using the installed plugin in the next lecture.