In this article, let’s look into one of the useful tools that help developers save time running ad hoc queries to extract data or test reports without creating a data model and report every time.
Introducing PI Cube (pi-cu.be) the savior for executing ad hoc queries in a SQL developer-like interface. This is an offline tool that needs to be downloaded and installed on the local machine.
First, we need to sign up for an account on the https://pi-cu.be/ website by providing an email and password.
Authenticate with OTP received on email. Once authenticated, we will get a download option to download the software. Download (Pi CubeSetup.exe) and install the software on the local machine.
Once installed, open the Pi Cube application.
Next, click on start application
Most of the application is self explanatory.
First, we need to create connection
Click on Create Connection
Click on test button to test the connection and finally click save button to save the connection.
Once the connection is saved, we need to select the connection and then run queries against it.
The beauty of this tool is it can also migrate the BI Reports from one instance to another.
Select the Report Migration Tab on the left hand side.
This is a unique feature which none of the other similar tools in the market has.
The creator of this tool Vinod Ronold Aravind Jose was kind enough to explain about the tool and is looking for feedback to improve the tool. He also has some plans to monetize the tool in the future, however, he assured me that running the queries and creating a couple of connections would remain FREE forever.
I have been playing around with this tool for a week or more and have suggested a few changes. Vinod quickly implemented the changes and released a new beta version.
The tool is secure as well and the credentials are stored on local machines only and not on the cloud. The password is encrypted and stored on the local machine, so even if you can locate the DB file, you will not be able decrypt the password by looking at the encrypted password.
Kudos to Vinod for developing such tool and providing access for FREE to developers.
Please try your hands on the tool and provide feedback to Vinod on Linkedin.
