Dennis, I've used a number of sql tools over the years including TOAD, WinSql, SQL*Plus, and SqlDeveloper. At the moment I use SQL Developer almost entirely. The one thing I like about SQL*Plus is the familiar interface, old habits die very hard. Maybe too hard in my case as I've been using it for over 20 years now. Toad is fine if you never touch another database than Oracle. SQL*Plus is fine if your a die hard old dog like me. SQL*Developer is better than WinSql I think because it really does all of the Oracle functionality, and better than TOAD since you can connect to SQL*Server & Mysql (infernal POS). The only reason I'd slide back to WinSql is because of it's multi dbms connectivity, things like PostGreSql, DB2, Ingres, etc.... Therefore SQL*Developer is the tool of choice, and you can't beat the price. As for security, yes you can see packages, procedures, tables, and other objects that you don't own, but only if you have access to them and even then you can't modify them even if you have access to, short of data that is. Therefore I'd not be too concerned about the security aspect as the door is already open. ______________________________________________________________ Dick Goulet / Capgemini North America P&C / East Business Unit Senior Oracle DBA / Hosting Office: 508.573.1978 / Mobile: 508.742.5795 / www.capgemini.com <http://www.capgemini.com/> Fax: 508.229.2019 / Email: richard.goulet@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 45 Bartlett St. / Marlborough, MA 01752 Together: the Collaborative Business Experience ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________ From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dennis Cutshall Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 11:51 AM To: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Sql Developer Hi, We are looking at using Oracle's SQL Developer as a development tool. Does anyone have any experience with this product? If so, please pass on your findings. We are particularly concerned about security. We noticed that any user e.g. Scott, can look at many of the objects in SYS and SYSTEM. Is this a concern, or are those normally public? Dennis Dennis Cutshall Data Base Administrator University of North Dakota ITSS Phone: (701) 777-4109 Fax: (701)777-3978 E-Mail: DennisCutshall@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is the property of the Capgemini Group. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part thereof. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of this message.