Postgres GUI, Reimagined with AI: Code Smarter With SQL Assistant

Hien Phan -

At Timescale, we believe Postgres should be as easy to work with as it is powerful. This mission led us to build the modern Postgres GUI by integrating PopSQL into the Timescale Console and bringing developers two new modes: Data Mode for collaborative SQL development and Ops Mode for simplified database management. These modes reimagine how developers work with Postgres, helping them manage queries and database operations with ease.

But we saw a chance to take it further. With the rise of GenAI, we realized that AI could make the Postgres workflows even smoother. GenAI is transforming development by speeding up code writing and debugging, so we asked ourselves: what if, within the Timescale Console, developers had a smart, context-aware assistant that understood their database and helped them write SQL more efficiently?

That’s why we created SQL Assistant—an AI companion for Timescale Console that brings our vision of a smarter, more intuitive Postgres GUI to life. With schema-aware, in-context help, SQL Assistant lets you write, troubleshoot, and optimize SQL directly within Timescale Console—no need to switch tools.

Accessible through a chat interface, SQL Assistant tackles SQL challenges like syntax guidance, error resolution, and performance tuning directly in the editor. Unlike general-purpose large language models (LLMs), SQL Assistant integrates fully into your workflow as an intelligent, embedded partner that anticipates your needs and supports you as you code.

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To see all our October launches and stay updated on upcoming ones, visit our blog post or check out the launch page.

A SQL Assistant to Work Faster and Smarter 

SQL Assistant works directly in your editor, solving common SQL challenges in ways that general-purpose LLMs can’t. Here’s how it redefines your workflow:

Real-time SQL help, right where you need it

No more copying and pasting between your editor and ChatGPT. With SQL Assistant, AI is built into your SQL environment and provides context-aware support—using information from the database you’re connected to. It’s designed to be there when you need it most, without interruptions.

  • Understand functions: Need help with a function like LAG() or ROW_NUMBER()? SQL Assistant explains the function and its parameters and provides examples within your database context.
  • Interpret complex queries: Have a dense or layered query? SQL Assistant breaks it down, giving you a clear view of each part specifically tailored to your schema.

You can “Append” or “Replace” SQL snippets directly in your query to keep your workflow uninterrupted. This gives you fast feedback without switching tools.

Error fixes in real time, without leaving the editor

SQL Assistant keeps you moving forward when you hit a roadblock, diagnosing issues on the spot and suggesting solutions—something that general-purpose LLMs can’t offer.

  • Debugging errors: SQL Assistant identifies issues and proposes fixes without you needing to leave your editor, making troubleshooting faster and more effective.
  • Performance tuning: if a query runs slowly, SQL Assistant suggests optimizations based on your database environment, letting you improve performance without searching for outside help.

Organize queries on your behalf 

SQL Assistant doesn’t just help you write and debug—it also keeps your query library organized for future use. By automatically generating titles and descriptions, SQL Assistant makes it easy for teams to collaborate, navigate, and maintain query libraries.

  • Auto-generated titles and summaries: SQL Assistant adds clarity to each query, making it accessible for your team.
  • Collaboration-friendly organization: your query library stays organized, ensuring everyone understands the purpose of each query—without manual maintenance.

With these capabilities, SQL Assistant minimizes common SQL obstacles, letting you stay focused on building, analyzing, and optimizing. Available across PopSQL’s web and desktop applications and the Timescale Console, SQL Assistant fits naturally into your SQL workflow.

Pro Tips for Using SQL Assistant

To get the most out of SQL Assistant, here are a few pro tips:

  • Schema guidance: SQL Assistant adapts to your schema, but providing extra context in complex structures can help improve accuracy. A quick example is to specify that you want to use the kafka_events vs. just events.
  • Customizing joins: When joining tables, explicitly mention the foreign keys or columns to join on to prevent incorrect assumptions.
  • Defining business logic: Clearly defining unique business terms like “active user” or “conversion rate” enables SQL Assistant to offer more relevant suggestions.

For more details on getting started with SQL Assistant, check out our docs.

Security and Privacy—You’re in Control

We take your security and privacy seriously. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Opt-in features: All capabilities are off by default. You have full control over enabling them.
  • Admin control: Only Timescale Cloud project members or PopSQL organization admins can enable the AI features. To enable them, Timescale Console admins can go to Data Mode > Settings > SQL Assistant, and PopSQL admins can go to Preferences > SQL Assistant.
  • Data protection: Our AI partners do not train on your data. Your queries and database information remain confidential.
  • Secure environment: We adhere to strict security protocols to ensure your data is protected at all times.

Looking Ahead—Shaping SQL Assistant Together

SQL Assistant is now in Early Access on Timescale Console, available free of charge. This is just the beginning. SQL Assistant will continue to evolve with input from developers like you. We’re building this with your needs in mind, so let us know (shoot us an email at rahil at timescale dot com) how SQL Assistant fits into your workflow and what features would make it even better.

Try SQL Assistant today and help us shape the future of Postgres GUI with AI.