What Is Etlworks Explorer
Etlworks Explorer is an interactive workspace for inspecting, querying, and validating data directly from your connections. It allows you to explore metadata, view data in multiple representations, and run SQL against both SQL and non-SQL data sources without creating flows.
Explorer is designed for:
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Inspecting data before building ETL flows
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Validating connection configuration
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Exploring schemas, files, and endpoints
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Testing SQL logic interactively
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Debugging data-related issues quickly
Explorer works with all types of connections available in Etlworks, including databases, SaaS apps, file storage, cloud storage, APIs, NoSQL databases, message queues, and inbound email connections.
Opening Etlworks Explorer
To open Explorer:
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Click the compass icon in the left navigation bar
To open Explorer in a separate browser tab:
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Right-click the compass icon
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Select Open in New Tab
Explorer runs entirely in the browser and does not affect running flows.
Explorer Layout
The Explorer interface is divided into two main areas.
1. Connections and Metadata Panel (Left)
This panel displays:
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All available connections
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Metadata associated with each connection, such as:
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Databases, schemas, tables, views, and columns
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Files and folders
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API endpoints
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Redis keys
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MongoDB collections
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Email messages
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Connections can be expanded to explore metadata hierarchically. Filters and tags can be used to narrow what is shown.
2. Main Work Area (Center)
The center panel contains tabs that change based on what you are doing.
Common tabs include:
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Info
Shows details about the selected object
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Data
Displays data in a table (grid) format.
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Raw Data
Displays data in its original representation, such as JSON or text.
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SQL
Contains the SQL editor for writing and executing queries.
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Dataset tabs
Additional tabs created when multiple queries or datasets are opened.
Multiple tabs can be open at the same time.
Resizing Panels
You can resize the Explorer panels by dragging the dividers:
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Left divider resizes the metadata panel
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Vertical divider in the SQL editor resizes editor and results areas
- Left divider resizes the history panel in SQL editor
Toolbar Overview
The toolbar is context-aware. The available actions depend on what is currently selected.
Common toolbar actions include:
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View Data
Opens the selected dataset in a grid.
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Raw Data
Displays data in its original format.
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Develop SQL
Opens the SQL editor for the selected connection or object.
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Upload Files
Uploads local files to supported connections.
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Download File
Downloads a selected file.
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Delete File
Deletes selected files.
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Set Parameters
Set parameters that automatically replace {tokens} in connections.
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Export to File
Exports grid data to a file format.
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Shortcuts
Displays available keyboard shortcuts.
Toolbar buttons appear only when they are applicable to the selected object.
Context-Sensitive Right-Click Menu
Explorer includes a context-sensitive right-click menu that provides quick access to common actions.
The actions shown depend on the selected item. For example:
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Right-clicking a table may show options to view data or develop SQL
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Right-clicking a file may show raw data, download, or delete options
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Right-clicking a tab may show close or navigation actions
Right-click actions mirror toolbar functionality and are provided for faster workflows.
Tabs and Navigation Model
Explorer uses a tab-based navigation model:
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Each dataset, SQL execution result, or raw data view opens in its own tab
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Multiple datasets can be open simultaneously
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Tabs can be closed independently
This allows you to compare results, run multiple queries, and explore different objects without losing context.
Summary
Etlworks Explorer provides a unified interface for:
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Navigating connections and metadata
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Viewing data in multiple formats
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Executing SQL interactively
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Performing file-based operations
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Using both toolbar and right-click actions for efficiency