Native macOS database platform

KrakenSQL

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

Follow the build See the local workflow

Current focus Local write engine

Platform macOS + Apple Silicon

Access path Wire API + 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, token-protected 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_WIRE_TOKEN" \
  -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 token-protected 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.

Developer-preview updates

Signed releases from one update channel.

Bootstrap app

Download the signed and notarized app-only DMG. Server installs and larger updates come through the update API.

Get bootstrap DMG

Server package

Install or update the LaunchDaemon-backed KrakenSQL server package on the host Mac.

Get server update

Update feed

The macOS app checks this metadata to compare versions and show update actions.

View latest.json

Honest roadmap

Shipping the wedge before claiming the ocean.

Now

Developer write target

Local service, token 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.

Early access

Follow KrakenSQL while the engine hardens.

KrakenSQL is in active development. The current build is aimed at Mac developers who want a local SQL service for development data while the engine, UI, and compatibility layers mature.