Private developer preview

KrakenSQL

A SQL Server-shaped local database for Mac developers, built around a Rust engine, SwiftUI client, and Apple Silicon-first workflow.

Set up update access Review build 8

Current build 1.0 build 8

Platform macOS + Apple Silicon

Access path Update account + TDS

01 Rust database engine

Built for local persistence, schema management, WAL recovery work, and future SQL Server compatibility.

02 Native Mac client

SwiftUI query workspace with object explorer, result grids, saved tabs, and schema reflection.

03 Developer service

LaunchAgent install, SQL-authenticated local wire API, and sqlcmd-style tooling without Microsoft dependencies.

Engine first

Local data infrastructure for Mac apps.

KrakenSQL starts with the practical gap: Mac developers need a dependable SQL target without spinning up a remote SQL Server or leaving macOS-native tooling behind.

krakensqlcmd -S 127.0.0.1,1433 \
  -U sa \
  -P "$KRAKENSQL_TDS_PASSWORD" \
  -d default \
  -i schema.sql

Built for real development loops

Install, write, inspect, iterate.

Install as a local service

Run KrakenSQL as a per-user macOS LaunchAgent with a configurable data root and localhost-only binding.

Write from your APIs

Use the SQL-authenticated wire API for owned apps while TDS compatibility matures.

Bring familiar commands

Use krakensqlcmd for common sqlcmd-style flags without installing Microsoft tools.

Query from the Mac app

Browse schema, run SQL, inspect result sets, and keep the admin experience native.

Private build channel

Signed build 8 releases behind update access.

App update

KrakenSQL checks the protected Sparkle appcast and installs signed app updates after the update account is saved in the Mac app.

View appcast

Server package

The in-app updater downloads the signed package, verifies SHA-256, and opens the installer for the LaunchDaemon-backed server.

Open server package

Update feed

The protected JSON feed advertises app build 8 and server build 8 to KrakenSQL clients with a saved update account.

View latest.json

Honest roadmap

Shipping the wedge before claiming the ocean.

Now

Developer write target

Local service, SQL auth, basic write path, restart persistence tests, and CLI tooling.

Safety and compatibility

Backup/restore, supported SQL matrix, catalog crash tests, and SQL Server client validation.

Later

Enterprise hardening

Roles, TLS, encryption at rest, admin UI, large-result streaming, and migration tooling.

Update account

Keep preview builds off the open internet.

KrakenSQL is in active development. Build 8 expects the release site to be protected with an update account while licensing is being designed. The Mac app stores that account in Keychain and uses it for app and server update checks.

Private update flow

Open KrakenSQL Updates in the Mac app.
Choose Update Account and save the assigned username and password.
Use Save & Check before installing app or server updates.

Basic Auth is the temporary preview gate. Licensing should replace it with account-bound release tokens.