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Dev tools · January 20, 2025

Searchlight – Open-source Postgres client for macOS

Hi HN, Over the past year, I’ve been building a native MacOS Postgres client for my personal use. While there are plenty of existing clients, I built this because: - No open-source Postgres client matched the smooth UX of tools like Sequel Pro/SequelAce (for MySQL). - I missed the satisfaction of long-term product ownership and iteration—recent work has me jumping between projects. - I’ve been using Postgres more lately and wanted to get hands-on to deepen my knowledge. I also wanted a playground to experiment with client features that would help me on day-to-day. Some I have…

Searchlight – Open-source Postgres client for macOS launched on January 20, 2025 with 9 votes, #2,006 of 6,142 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.

What it does

A native MacOS Postgres client. Contribute to ravelantunes/Searchlight development by creating an account on GitHub.

Searchlight is a native macOS, open-source PostgreSQL client designed to be simple, lightweight, and developer-friendly. It offers a clean and intuitive interface for managing databases and running queries without the complexity of full-scale database management tools. Searchlight focuses on delivering a smooth and efficient experience for developers who need quick and easy access to their PostgreSQL databases. I’m using my personal Apple developer account so I can’t notarize the app with Apple. If you try to install from the GitHub releases page MacOS will warn that it can’t verify the developer identity, so you will need to approve the install on Settings > Privacy, or build from source.…from github.com

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hi HN, Over the past year, I’ve been building a native MacOS Postgres client for my personal use. While there are plenty of existing clients, I built this because: - No open-source Postgres client matched the smooth UX of tools like Sequel Pro/SequelAce (for MySQL). - I missed the satisfaction of long-term…

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