How to Design and Manage Apache Derby Databases Visually

If you're working with Apache Derby[1] and looking for a better way to design and manage your database, DbSchema offers a clear, visual approach that simplifies everything: from editing tables to generating scripts and exploring your data.

You don’t need to know everything about Derby, just open the tool, and you can start creating diagrams, editing your schema, and exploring your data.

One thing to know before you start: the Apache Derby project was retired into a read-only state on 10 October 2025. Development and bug-fixing have ended and no further releases will be published, so 10.17.1.0 from November 2023 is the last one. Existing Derby databases keep working, and the JDBC drivers still connect, but treat the engine as frozen rather than one you would pick for a new system.

Download DbSchema for free to start your Derby project.

Connect to Apache Derby in DbSchema

Getting started with Derby in DbSchema is easy, and you don’t need to set up any server or enter a username or password. DbSchema ships the Derby JDBC driver and offers both a Local (embedded) and a Remote (network) connection.

1. Open DbSchema and click on "Connect to Database".
2. From the list of databases, choose Apache Derby. DbSchema will download automatically the JDBC Driver for you.
3. Select "Edit Manually" (this tells DbSchema you’re using Derby in embedded mode).
4. In the Database URL field, enter the folder path where you want the database to be created. Add ;create=true at the end so Derby knows to create it.

jdbc:derby:C:/work/temp/derby4;create=true;

Note: You can change the path to any location you like: jdbc:derby:C:/your-folder-name/databaseName;create=true;

1. Leave the username and password fields empty - they’re not needed in embedded mode.
2. Click "Connect".

That’s it! DbSchema will create the database folder and you’re ready to start designing your schema.

Derby Clients Compared

Derby ships its own command-line tools, ij for SQL and dblook for DDL, but nothing that draws a diagram or writes documentation. Navicat is absent from the table because Derby is not in its supported-database set. Every capability below was checked against the vendor's own edition matrix on 17 August 2026.

See a Derby Schema with Interactive Diagrams

With DbSchema, you can see your entire database structure in a clear diagram - no need to read through long table definitions.

• Tables with fields, types, primary keys, and constraints
• Visual links showing relationships between tables
• Multiple diagrams for organizing large schemas
• Editable diagrams - double-click to change anything

This makes it much easier to review your structure and share ideas with your team.

Create Interactive HTML5 Documentation

Want to document your database for others, even if they don’t have access to it? DbSchema can generate interactive HTML5 documentation.

• Details about each table, column, and index
• Relationship diagrams that are clickable and easy to follow
• Comments and descriptions you write directly in DbSchema
• Tags and metadata for organizing large models

This is perfect for teams that need to stay aligned or onboard new developers.

Track Derby Model Changes with Git

Working in a team? DbSchema has integratedGit, so you can version-control your Derby schema like any other project.

• Record every change to your schema
• Collaborate without overwriting each other’s work
• Create branches for testing new structures
• Revert back to older versions when needed

It’s especially useful in long-term projects where tracking schema evolution matters.

Build and Run Queries, Visually or with SQL

Whether you're a beginner or a SQL pro, DbSchema makes querying Derby simple.

• Visual Query Builder: Drag tables, join them, and filter results without writing code
• SQL Editor: Write queries with autocomplete and syntax highlighting
• Instant Preview: See your results immediately
• Save and organize queries for future use

It’s a great way to explore your data and debug logic - all in one place.

Sync the Model with the Live Derby Database

Need to compare your offline model with the real Derby database? DbSchema includes a Schema Synchronization tool.

• Compare the model and the actual database side by side
• See what’s missing or different
• Apply changes selectively
• Export everything as SQL scripts if you prefer manual control

This helps you keep everything aligned without surprises.

Manage Data with the Relational Data Explorer

Want to browse and edit Derby records like a spreadsheet? The Relational Data Explorer does exactly that, and it follows your foreign keys too.

• View and edit records without writing queries
• Jump to related records through foreign key links
• Filter and sort data easily
• Export results to CSV, JSON, or XML

It’s the fastest way to understand the contents of your tables.

Generate Test Data Automatically

Need to populate your Derby tables for testing? DbSchema includes a Data Generator.

• Fill tables with realistic test data
• Define rules (names, numbers, dates, etc.)
• Simulate thousands of records for load testing
• Save time instead of writing insert scripts

Perfect for testing applications or building demos quickly.

Final Thoughts

Designing and maintaining a Derby database doesn't have to be complicated.

DbSchema gives you the tools to see your structure clearly, collaborate with your team, and automate repetitive tasks, all in a visual, intuitive way.

👉 Try DbSchema for free and simplify how you work with Apache Derby.

Sources

1. Apache Derby