As Timescale Cloud is based on PostgreSQL, you can use lots of different tools to connect to your service and interact with your data.

In Timescale Console you can use the following ways to run SQL queries against your database:

  • Data mode: a rich experience powered by PopSQL. You can write queries with autocomplete, save them in folders, share them, create charts/dashboards, and much more.

  • SQL editor in Ops mode: a simple SQL editor in Ops mode that lets you run ad-hoc ephemeral queries. This is useful for quick one-off tasks like creating an index on a small table or inspecting pg_stat_statements.

If you prefer the command line to the ops mode SQL editor in Timescale Console, use psql.

You use the data mode in Timescale Console to write queries, visualize data, and share your results.

Screenshot of data mode

Available features are:

  • Real-time collaboration: work with your team directly in the data mode query editor with live presence and multiple cursors.
  • Schema browser: understand the structure of your database and see usage data on tables and columns.
  • Autocomplete: get suggestions as you type your queries.
  • Version history: access previous versions of a query from the built-in revision history, or connect to a git repo.
  • Charts: visualize data from inside the UI rather than switch to Sheets or Excel.
  • Schedules: automatically refresh queries and dashboards to create push alerts.
  • Query variables: use Liquid to parameterize your queries or use if statements.
  • Cross platform: works from Timescale Console or download the desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • Easy connection: to Timescale Cloud, PostgreSQL, Redshift, Snowflake, BigQuery, MySQL, SQL Server, and more.

To connect to a service:

  1. Check your service is running correctly

    In Timescale Console, check that your service is marked as Running.

    Check service is running

  2. Connect to your service

    1. In the data mode in Timescale Console, select a service and enter your password, then click Connect.

      Select a connection

      You find your password in the config file you downloaded when you created the service.

  3. Run a test query

    Type SELECT CURRENT_DATE; in Scratchpad and press Run:

    Run a simple query

Quick recap. You:

Now you have used the data mode in Timescale Console, see how to easily do the following:

If your Timescale Service runs inside a VPC, do one of the following to enable access for the PopSQL desktop app:

  • Use PopSQL's bridge connector
  • Use an SSH tunnel
    • When you configure the connection in PopSQL, under Advanced Options, enable Connect over SSH
  • Add PopSQL's static IPs (23.20.131.72, 54.211.234.135) to your allowlist

The number of data mode seats you are allocated depends on your Pricing Plan.

There are a few factors to consider:

  1. What instance size is your database?
  2. How many users are running queries?
  3. How computationally intensive are the queries?

If you have a small number of users running performant SQL queries against a service with sufficient resources, then there should be no degradation to performance. However, if you have a large number of users running queries, or if the queries are computationally expensive, best practice is to create a read replica and send analytical queries there.

If you'd like to prevent write operations such as insert or update. Instead of using the tsdbadmin superuser, create a read-only user for your service and use that in the data mode.

SQL editor is an integrated secure UI that you use to run queries and see the results for an Timescale Cloud service.

Screenshot of SQL editor

To enable or disable SQL editor in your service, click Operations > Service management, then update the setting for SQL editor.

To use SQL editor with Timescale:

  1. Open SQL editor from Timescale Console

    In the ops mode in Timescale Console, select a service, then click SQL editor.

    Check service is running

  2. Run a test query

    Type your query in the UI, then click Run. The results appear in the lower window.

  • SQL editor in the ops mode: free for anyone with a Timescale Cloud account.
  • Data mode: the number of seats you are allocated depends on your Pricing Plan.
  • PopSQL standalone: there is a free plan available to everyone, as well as paid plans. See PopSQL Pricing for full details.

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