Editing Data

Make changes to your database records directly within Simpl.

Overview

Simpl allows inline editing of record values, with type-appropriate input controls for each field type. Changes are saved directly to your database.

Enabling Edit Mode

Clicking to Edit

In the detail view, click any editable field to enter edit mode. The field transforms into an appropriate input control.

Edit Indicators

Editable fields show a subtle hover effect indicating they can be modified.

Type-Specific Editors

Text Fields

  • Single-line text input for short strings
  • Multi-line textarea for longer content
  • Auto-expanding based on content length

Number Fields

  • Numeric input with appropriate precision
  • Increment/decrement controls
  • Validation for numeric values only

Boolean Fields

  • Toggle switch for easy true/false selection
  • Clear visual state indication

Date and DateTime Fields

  • Calendar date picker
  • Time picker for datetime fields
  • Clear button to set null

Enum Fields

  • Dropdown with all valid enum values
  • Quick selection from predefined options

JSON Fields

  • Syntax-highlighted JSON editor
  • Auto-formatting on blur
  • Validation for valid JSON

Array Fields

  • Add/remove array items
  • Reorder items via drag-and-drop
  • Type-appropriate inputs for array elements

UUID Fields

  • Text input with UUID validation
  • Generate new UUID button

Saving Changes

Confirm and Cancel

After making changes, you'll see action buttons:

Button Action
✓ (Checkmark) Save changes to database
✕ (X) Cancel and discard changes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key Action
Enter Save changes (single-line fields)
Escape Cancel editing
Cmd/Ctrl + Enter Save changes (multi-line fields)

Success Feedback

After saving, you'll see a toast notification confirming the change.

Error Handling

If a save fails, you'll see an error message explaining what went wrong:

  • Database constraint violations
  • Type validation errors
  • Connection issues

What Can Be Edited

Editable Fields

Most standard column types are editable:

  • Text (varchar, text, char)
  • Numbers (integer, decimal, float)
  • Booleans
  • Dates and timestamps
  • Enums
  • JSON
  • Arrays
  • UUIDs

Non-Editable Fields

Some fields cannot be edited:

  • Primary keys - Usually auto-generated and immutable
  • Serial/auto-increment columns - Managed by the database
  • Computed columns - Generated by database expressions
  • System columns - Internal PostgreSQL fields

Database Constraints

Validation

Simpl respects your database constraints:

  • NOT NULL - Required fields must have values
  • UNIQUE - Duplicate values are rejected
  • CHECK constraints - Invalid values show errors
  • Foreign keys - References must exist

Constraint Errors

When a constraint is violated, you'll see:

  1. The save fails
  2. An error message appears
  3. The field remains in edit mode
  4. You can fix the value or cancel

Best Practices

Verify Before Saving

Always double-check values before confirming:

  • Review the change you're making
  • Consider downstream effects
  • Check related records if relevant

Use Detail View

For complex edits, use the detail view rather than list view for:

  • Better context around the record
  • Easier navigation between fields
  • Clearer view of related data

Test in Development First

When making significant changes:

  • Test on a development/staging database first
  • Verify the changes work as expected
  • Then apply to production

Audit Considerations

No Built-in Audit Trail

Simpl doesn't maintain its own audit log of changes. Consider:

  • Database-level audit triggers
  • Application logging
  • PostgreSQL's built-in audit extensions

Who Made Changes

Changes are made using your connection's credentials. The database sees the connection user, not your Simpl user.

Bulk Editing

Currently, Simpl supports editing one field at a time. For bulk operations:

  • Use SQL directly
  • Consider database migration tools
  • Build application-level batch operations

Current Limitations

  • One field at a time - Edit and save each field individually
  • No undo - Changes are immediate; no built-in rollback
  • Connection permissions - Your database user must have UPDATE privileges

Next Steps