In today's business decision-making landscape, quick access to data and flexible analysis have become more crucial than ever. Organizations need more than just pre-configured reports and dashboards—they need environments where they can directly access necessary data and analyze it from new perspectives on demand.

As a means to achieve this "immediate data access and flexible analysis," SQL-based data analysis platforms are gaining significant attention. In this article, we'll compare Apache Superset, an open-source tool developed by Airbnb and widely adopted, with Codatum, which realizes seamless data analysis using the latest technology. We'll explore in detail how each tool enables rapid data access and flexible analysis, accelerating organizational data utilization.

What is Apache Superset?

Apache Superset, developed by Airbnb and later donated to the Apache Software Foundation, is a modern open-source data exploration and visualization platform. It's widely used globally as a self-serve BI product, featuring:

Key Strengths

• Rich Visualization Options

  : Over 100 types of visualization choices

• Intuitive UI

  : Direct chart creation through drag & drop

• Multiple Data Sources

  : Support for major databases and data warehouses

• Self-Service Analytics

  : Enables data analysis without technical expertise

Current Limitations

• Query Management

  : Difficult code reuse and reference, time-consuming for complex analysis

• Limited Sharing

  : Restricted secure sharing options for external guests

• Complex Permissions

  : Detailed permission settings required, challenging to manage

• Analysis Documentation

  : Lacks features to record and share analysis processes

Feature Comparison

Security

Superset enables dynamic SQL generation through Jinja templates, but this design choice introduces potential security risks (e.g., SQL injection) that cannot be completely eliminated ([reference link]). This requires particular attention when external sharing is a requirement.

Codatum takes a security-first approach by providing alternative methods that leverage common SQL features. This enables flexible query creation while maintaining robust security measures.

SQL Management & Editor Capabilities

While Superset provides a basic SQL execution environment, it lacks SQL splitting and reference capabilities, making complex query management difficult. Dataset search functionality is limited, and without folder management features, organizing large volumes of SQL becomes challenging.

Codatum offers comprehensive SQL management through splitting and reference capabilities for complex queries, cross-sectional dataset search including tables and columns, and systematic SQL management with folders. This integrated approach enables efficient team collaboration and code reuse.

Sharing and Permission Management

While Superset offers highly granular permission settings, this granularity itself creates management complexity. The need for permissions at individual query and dataset levels leads to numerous combinations, potentially making management impractical at scale.

Codatum implements role-based permission management, achieving both security and simplified administration. This approach streamlines management processes while maintaining robust security measures, and includes secure external guest sharing capabilities.

AI Assistant

Codatum's AI assistant provides comprehensive support throughout the SQL development lifecycle, from initial query creation to optimization. This makes complex analysis accessible to SQL beginners while enhancing productivity for experienced users.

Note: Preset, Superset's hosting service, appears to offer AI Assistant features ([reference link]).

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Superset When You Need:

• Visualization Focus:

  • Rich visualization options

  • Dashboard-centric operations

  • Multiple data source integration

• Self-Hosting Requirements

Choose Codatum When You Need:

• Rapid Analysis Cycles:

  • Frequent ad-hoc analysis

  • Operational monitoring and troubleshooting

  • Flexible data exploration

• Efficient SQL Management:

  • Large SQL codebase management

  • Team code sharing

  • Analysis pattern reuse

• Quick Insight Sharing:

  • External collaboration

  • Analysis process documentation

  • Knowledge accumulation and utilization

Summary

The choice between these tools largely depends on your organization's needs and goals. Apache Superset excels in rich visualization features and flexible data exploration, supporting dashboard-centric data utilization. Codatum enables more functional data usage through advanced SQL management, AI support, and seamless sharing capabilities.

Consider Superset if you need to manage your own infrastructure and prioritize cost efficiency. Choose Codatum if you prioritize productivity improvements and smooth collaboration within and between teams.