Basic Usage
Navigate the tpaw interface — open tables, run queries, edit data, and use keyboard shortcuts.
tpaw is built around a tab-based workflow: each table browse or query session opens in its own tab, and the sidebar gives you instant access to every object in your schema. This page covers the essential patterns for daily use.
Connecting to a database
Click a connection card on the home screen to connect. tpaw loads your schema in the sidebar and shows tables, views, sequences, enums, functions, extensions, and roles in collapsible groups.
To disconnect, click the × on the connection header or close all tabs for that connection.
Browsing tables
Click any table name in the sidebar to open it in the Data Grid. The grid loads the first page of rows immediately. Use the pagination controls at the bottom to navigate large tables.
Common actions in the Data Grid:
- Click a cell to select it
- Double-click to edit in place (when not in read-only mode)
- Right-click to open the context menu (copy, expand JSON, insert row, delete row)
Running SQL queries
Press Cmd+T to open a new Query Editor tab. The editor has syntax highlighting and autocomplete for your connected database's tables, columns, and functions.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Run current statement | Cmd+Enter |
| Run all statements | Cmd+Shift+Enter |
| Format SQL | Cmd+I |
| Open new tab | Cmd+T |
| Close tab | Cmd+W |
When you run all statements with Cmd+Shift+Enter, each result appears in a collapsible block with the statement number, row count, and execution time.
Switching between tabs
Click tabs in the tab bar, or use Cmd+1 through Cmd+9 to jump to a specific tab by position.
Focus mode
Press Cmd+Shift+F to toggle Focus Mode — this hides the sidebar and tab bar for a distraction-free editing experience. Press the same shortcut to restore the full interface.
Searching the schema
Press Cmd+K to open the command palette. Type a table name, view name, or saved query name to jump to it instantly.
Working with the sidebar
The sidebar organizes schema objects into groups:
- Tables — click to browse in Data Grid
- Views — read-only browsable views
- Sequences — sequence details and current value
- Enums — enum type values
- Functions — function signatures and definitions
- Extensions — installed PostgreSQL extensions
- Roles — database roles and permissions
Right-click any item in the sidebar for additional actions.