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Alpha Software Notice

SchemaVis is currently in alpha stage and not yet production-ready for mission-critical work. We're building something different and would love your feedback as we grow.

SchemaSpy logo

SchemaSpy vs SchemaVis: Honest Comparison

Database Visualization Tools

SchemaSpy is a command-line tool that generates HTML documentation from database schemas. SchemaVis is a web-based, interactive visualization tool. This comparison focuses exclusively on visualization capabilities.

Visual Comparison

Feature
S
SchemaVis (Alpha)
SchemaSpy logo
SchemaSpy
Real-time Collaboration
Visual Quality
(3/5)
(2/5)
Relationship DisplayGoodBasic
Modern UI/UX
Free Tier
Open Source
PricingFree ForeverFree (Open Source)

Command-Line vs Web-Based

SchemaSpy

  • Command-line tool
  • Generates static HTML documentation
  • Comprehensive schema analysis
  • Basic visual quality
  • No interactive editing
  • Free and open source

SchemaVis

  • Web-based interactive tool
  • Real-time visualization
  • Planned collaboration features
  • Good visual quality (improving)
  • Interactive diagram editing
  • Open source with modern architecture

When to Choose Each

Choose SchemaSpy if:

  • Schema documentation needs
  • Command-line workflows
  • Automated documentation generation

Choose SchemaVis if:

  • You value open source software (AGPL licensed)
  • You want to influence development direction
  • Real-time team collaboration is important to your workflow
  • You're comfortable with alpha software and providing feedback
  • You want to help shape the future of database visualization

Honest Assessment

SchemaVis Limitations

  • SchemaVis is in alpha and not yet production-ready for mission-critical work
  • Visual quality needs refinement compared to established tools
  • Performance can be slow with large diagrams (we're working on this)
  • Mobile support is basic and needs improvement
  • Learning curve is steeper due to alpha-stage roughness

SchemaSpy Strengths

  • Free and open source
  • Comprehensive schema analysis
  • Generates HTML documentation

Our Vision: We're not trying to compete directly with SchemaSpy today. Instead, we're building toward something different - a truly collaborative, open source visualization tool that puts user feedback at the center. If you're patient and want to help shape the future, we'd love to have you as an early user.

Our Roadmap

Coming Soon

  • Real-time Collaboration: Work together with your team in real-time on database diagrams
  • Visual Quality Improvements: Refined table node design, better relationship lines, and professional color schemes
  • Performance Optimization: Faster rendering for large diagrams
  • Enhanced Mobile Support: Better experience on mobile devices
  • Advanced Layout Options: More control over diagram layout and styling

Your Feedback Matters: As an alpha user, your feedback directly shapes our development priorities. Help us build the visualization tool you need by sharing your thoughts and suggestions.

Try Both Tools

We'd Love Your Feedback

Help us build the visualization tool you need by sharing your thoughts and suggestions.

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