Onboarding
Tablen includes a guided onboarding experience to help new users get started quickly with the application.
First Launch Experience
When you launch Tablen for the first time, the onboarding flow guides you through:
Welcome Screen
- Introduction to Tablen and its key features
- Overview of supported databases (20 engines)
- Brief explanation of the app's layout
Connection Setup
The onboarding encourages you to create your first database connection:
- Choose a database type (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, etc.)
- Enter connection details (host, port, database, username)
- Test the connection
- Save and connect
Interface Tour
A guided walkthrough of the main interface areas:
- Sidebar: Where connections and tables are listed
- Query Editor: Where you write SQL
- Result Table: Where query results appear
- Tab Bar: How to manage multiple workspaces
Key Shortcuts Introduction
Highlights the most important keyboard shortcuts:
- Cmd+Return to execute queries
- Cmd+T for new tabs
- Cmd+Shift+P for the Command Palette
- Cmd+L to focus the sidebar
Empty State Guidance
When areas of the app are empty, contextual guidance is provided:
No Connections
When the sidebar has no connections:
- An icon and message indicate no connections exist
- "Add your first database connection to get started" prompt
- The "+" button is prominently displayed
No Query Results
When no query has been executed:
- Guidance to write a query in the editor
- Reminder of the Cmd+Return shortcut
No Tables
When connected but no tables are visible:
- Suggestion to check the database name
- Reminder that the filter might be active
Sidebar Help
Connection States
The sidebar visually indicates:
- Not connected: Gray indicator
- Connecting: Loading spinner
- Connected (healthy): Green indicator
- Connected (slow): Yellow indicator with latency
- Disconnected: Red indicator
Group Organization
New users are guided on how to:
- Create connection groups
- Drag connections into groups
- Use environment tags (DEV, STG, PROD)
Settings Discovery
The onboarding subtly introduces key settings:
- Safe Mode: Explained during the first write operation
- Theme Selection: Shown in the Appearance settings
- Query Timeout: Mentioned when queries take longer than expected
- iCloud Sync: Introduced when the user has multiple devices
Returning Users
For users who have already completed onboarding:
- The onboarding does not repeat
- Contextual help is still available through empty states
- The Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P) serves as a discovery tool
- Keyboard shortcuts reference is available via Cmd+/
Migrating from Other Clients
If you're migrating from another SQL client:
- Use the Connection Import feature to bring in existing connections
- See the Connection Management documentation for import details
- The interface will feel familiar if you've used Beekeeper Studio, TablePlus, or Postico