KeepTool Release Notes

Exception Handling Improvements

• The message box displayed in case of an exception has been redesigned.

• The button that previously opened the Oracle error documentation has been replaced by a hyperlink for quicker access.

• An additional hyperlink is now included to start a Google search for the Oracle error message.

• For ORA-00942 (table or view does not exist), KeepTool now adds a list of the referenced tables or views to the error message to simplify troubleshooting.

Connect Dialog Enhancements

• The “Use Unicode” checkbox now always defaults to true.

• In earlier versions, the default was copied from the most recently used connection to the same server. This sometimes led to users unintentionally disabling Unicode support and being unable to reset it easily.

Support for Schema Annotations

• Starting with Oracle 23ai and Oracle 19.28, schema annotations are available.

• KeepTool 16.2.3 now supports these annotations for tables, table columns, and views in the following components:

  • Show DDL dialog

  • Reverse DB Engineer

  • DB Compare

Oracle Autonomous Database (ADB) Adjustments

• Oracle ADB restricts access to several V$ data dictionary views, even for users with DBA privileges.

• To avoid exceptions in this environment, Hora:

  • Skips affected queries, and

  • Disables certain pages such as the Sessions page.

Security and Runtime Updates

• • The setup now installs the Wibu CodeMeter runtime version 8.40.

  • It is strongly recommended to update the CodeMeter runtime, especially on network license servers.

  • The runtime can be downloaded at: Wibu User Software Downloads.

  • For more information, please refer to the Wibu Security Advisories.

Oracle SQL*Plus Compatibility

• INSERT script lines containing spatial data are now automatically split into multiple lines, each shorter than 2000 characters, ensuring full SQL*Plus compatibility.

Container Databases (CDB) Enhancements

• Properties View:

  • Previously, the last tab on the CDB page only showed properties of the currently selected Oracle container database.

  • You can now view the properties of all CDBs side by side, making it much easier to compare PDB settings.

  • Property values that differ from those of the root container are highlighted for clarity.

• Tablespace Usage:

  • Previously, a checkbox indicated whether a tablespace was used in a given CDB.

  • This has been replaced with a numeric value showing the total MB used by the CDB, offering more precise insight.

Cross-Platform DDL Generation

• Since version 16.1.0, the tables overview page included a menu item for creating DDL for PostgreSQL DB.

• In 16.2.2, a similar menu item has been added for Microsoft SQL Server.

Column Order Dialog Improvements

Accessible via the context menu in both Data Content and SQL Query Resultset grids, the dialog now offers:

• Persistent dialog size (remembers last used size).

• Improved formatting:

  • Required columns in blue,

  • Primary and unique key columns in bold,

  • Consistent with other data grid views.

• Data type icons shown next to each column.

• Tooltips displaying data type and column comments (when Settings → Data Content → Show active tooltips in grid view is enabled).

Context Menu and Code Generation

• The “Copy to clipboard” menu item on the tables context menu has been renamed to “Generate code” for clarity.

• In the column selection dialog (for SELECT, INSERT, or MERGE statements), data type icons are now displayed alongside column names.

Master/Detail View Enhancements

• In version 16.1.0, a data grid was introduced in the master/detail view showing column names and data types of the hovered table.

• In 16.2.2, this grid now also displays column comments.

• Tip: Resize the grid area to give more space to comments for improved readability.

Custom Replacement Expressions in DML Script Generation

• The Create INSERT/UPDATE/MERGE script dialogs now allow definition of replacement expressions for specific columns.

• Example: Replace a primary key column with SEQUENCE_NAME.NEXTVAL instead of exporting existing values.

• Features include:

  • Assigning one or more column → expression pairs.

  • A dropdown with suggested expressions (e.g., sequences, timestamps).

  • The flexibility to enter custom expressions manually.

User Interface Refinements

• Data type icons now use a semi-bold font, giving the UI a lighter appearance.

• The “Show DDL” command for users now prompts for options on what to include/exclude, and remembers your choices for the next usage.

• In the table column selection dialog (for creating INSERT/UPDATE/MERGE SQL):

  • Additional quick-select buttons have been added.

  • Available options now include:

    • ✅ Check all columns

    • ✅ Check required columns

    • ✅ Check primary/unique key columns

    • ✅ Check indexed columns

    • ❌ Uncheck all columns

    • ❌ Uncheck columns with default values

    • ❌ Uncheck columns calculated by triggers

Schema Prefix Options

• Reverse DB: New checkbox “Always prefix object names with schema name.”

  • When unchecked (default), schema prefixes are only applied for objects outside the current schema.

• Hora Settings (Behavior page): New checkbox “Always include schema prefix in Show DDL command.”

  • Ensures consistent script generation, particularly useful when running scripts as SYS.

Performance Improvements

• Faster rendering of vector-based skins, especially noticeable with the WXI skin.

Security and Runtime Updates

• • The setup now installs Wibu CodeMeter Runtime version 8.30a.

  • Strongly recommended: Update the CodeMeter runtime, especially on network license servers.

  • Download: Wibu User Software Downloads

  • See also: Wibu Security Advisories.

Oracle Compatibility

• Updated compatibility for patched Oracle 19 and higher when using direct TCP/IP connections.

High-DPI Display Improvements

• Enhanced support for different DPI settings on high-resolution and multi-monitor setups.

• Ensures clearer rendering and consistent scaling across displays.

Editor Enhancements

• Up to version 16.2.0, text formatting commands (UPPERCASE, lowercase, InitCap) worked only with standard text selections.

• These commands are now fully supported in block selection mode (using ALT + Mouse drag or Shift + ALT + Cursor).

Security and Runtime Updates

• • The installer now includes Wibu CodeMeter Runtime version 8.20.

  • Strong recommendation: Update the CodeMeter runtime, especially on network license servers, to maintain security and stability.

  • Download the latest runtime: Wibu User Software Downloads

  • Refer to the latest Wibu Security Advisories for details.

🔐 Security Enhancements

• Stored database connection passwords are now protected using AES-256 encryption.

• On first use, you’ll be prompted to set a personal master password to create the secure password store.

• On application startup, KeepTool will ask for this master password unless “Remember password” is enabled.

• New controls in the Settings dialog:

  • Forget master password (clear saved password).

  • Change master password (define a new one).

• ⚠️ Important: Always keep a copy of your master password in a safe place. You will need it to unlock the password store on another machine.

• Technical details:

  • The password store is part of %appdata%\KeepTool16\Projects\KTProjects.XML.

  • KeepTool 16.2 automatically upgrades this file into the new format and creates a backup of the original.

  • For security reasons, consider deleting older copies of KTProjects.XML from previous KeepTool versions (v15 and earlier).

🗑️ Schema and Performance Improvements

• New menu item Schema | Purge Recycle Bin:

  • Connected as SYS → purges the DBA recyclebin.

  • Connected as any other user → purges the user recyclebin.

• Emptying the DBA recycle bin can significantly improve SQL performance on dictionary queries (such as dba_freespace), which directly speeds up Hora’s Tablespace Overview page—especially for Oracle 19 patch level 18 and higher.

📊 Reporting and FastReport Integration

• When creating a FastReport from Data Content or SQL Query Resultset:

  • The SQL query is now embedded in the report.

  • You can add additional detail queries as needed.

• When saving a report as an FR3 file, all queries are stored within the file for portability.

📂 Usability Enhancements

• Both Data Content and SQL Query Resultset record views now include:

  • Navigator buttons for record navigation,

  • Horizontal scrollbar at the bottom for easier browsing.

• File | Open now supports selecting multiple files—each opens in its own tab.

⚡ SQL Editor and Code Completion

• In version 16.1.0, automatic code completion always added a table alias.

• In 16.2.0, a new “Table reference” combobox has been added to Settings | SQL:

  • By Table Alias → Suggests aliases in JOIN clauses and assists building ON clauses (as in 16.1.0).

  • By Table Name → Suggests references using full table names instead of aliases.

  • None → Inserts only the table name, without completion of the FROM clause (similar to 16.0.0 and earlier).

🖥️ UI and Editor Improvements

• The integrated editor component now supports per-monitor DPI scaling, ensuring optimal rendering across high-resolution, multi-monitor setups.

• Create INSERT Script dialog now includes an option for bulk INSERT ALL:

  • If the dataset contains fewer than a defined minimum number of records, Hora will instead generate individual INSERT statements.

📜 SQL Execution Enhancements

• Until version 16.1, SQL parameters were queried only for “Execute Query” (single statements).

• Hora 16.2 now supports parameter substitution in “Execute Script” mode:

  • Parameters can be initialized using SQL*Plus-like syntax:

    VAR DEPARTMENT_ID=100


  • If a parameter value has not yet been initialized (via VAR or earlier queries in the same script), Hora will prompt for the value before execution.

📈 Data Grid Improvements

• In in-memory grid mode, formatting of numeric aggregates in the footers of both Data Content and SQL Query Resultset grids has been improved for better readability.

🔒 Security and Runtime Updates

• • The setup now installs Wibu CodeMeter Runtime version 8.10b.

  • It is strongly recommended to update the runtime, especially on network license servers.

  • Download: Wibu User Software Downloads

  • For details, see the Wibu Security Advisories.

Data Content & SQL Query Enhancements

• Both Data Content and SQL Query grids now automatically hide the filter row when the result set is empty.

• Menu items for INSERT, UPDATE, MERGE, and DELETE script generation now open an options dialog that lets you:

  • Preview and customize script settings.

  • Choose between “Save to file” or “Copy to clipboard.”

  • Save your current settings as defaults for later use (also configurable in the global Settings dialog).

• In the “Change column order” dialog, selecting a column name now:

  • Focuses the column in the underlying grid, and

  • Highlights it in KeepTool 16.1.0—making it easier to locate columns by name.

Oracle Compatibility

• Added support for the BOOLEAN data type introduced in Oracle 23ai.

• For direct TCP/IP connections, the default IP type has been changed from IPv4 only to IPv4/IPv6 dual mode.

  • You may revert to IPv4-only if required.

PL/SQL Types Page

• Overview Grid:

  • Now includes additional checkbox columns and displays supertype information.

• Menu Enhancements:

  • New options to modify properties such as FINAL and INSTANTIABLE.

• Attributes Grid:

  • Displays data type information (including icons) similar to the Tables | Columns grid.

  • Added context menu items to add, modify, or delete type attributes.

• Source Code Window:

  • Now includes a DB Object Browser, similar to the PL/SQL page.

Constraint Exceptions Dialog

• Previously: “Copy Query by Key Values” generated a SELECT with a WHERE … IN (…) clause based on key values.

• New in 16.1.0: “Copy Analysis SQL” button that copies the exact SQL used to populate the data grid.

  • Ideal for developers—share with customers for direct execution in HoraFree or any Oracle SQL client.

Data Content Browser

• The tables list context menu now includes:

  • Truncate → Opens a dialog to truncate a table (delete all data without rollback).

  • Show DDL → Opens a dialog showing the DDL of a table, view, or synonym.

Sessions Page

• The “Lock Wait Graph” tab has been renamed to “Blocking Sessions.”

• Now displays a multi-column tree view with more information about blocked sessions.

SQL Page

• New Resultset Window button has been replaced by “Execute Query in New Window.”

  • Executes the query and displays results in a new data grid.

  • A green icon marks the active window where result sets will appear.

• New Format | Create UUID context menu item inserts a Windows GUID at the cursor position.

  • Shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+U.

Flat Detail Data Browser

• The tree view now shows the foreign key name for detail tables with multiple references to the same master table.

Tables Page

• “Move Tablespace” renamed to “Move.”

• In the Move dialog:

  • Tablespace is optional for Oracle 12c Release 2+.

  • New options: Move online, update indexes, compression, logging.

• Columns Grid:

  • Required columns now displayed in blue font.

  • Primary key and unique key columns in bold font.

  • New orange dot indicator shows which columns are indexed.

• Constraints:

  • Defaults for new constraints set to “Deferrable, initially immediate.”

  • Generated DML scripts include SET CONSTRAINTS ALL DEFERRED as an alternative to disabling constraints.

• Master/Detail View:

  • New flag/unflag option for tables via lower-right corner.

Cross-Platform DDL

• New menu item “DDL for PostgreSQL” works like “Show DDL,” but generates scripts adapted for PostgreSQL.

  • Includes tables, indexes, constraints, foreign keys, comments.

  • Creates trigger/function pairs as templates for PostgreSQL.

Grid Usability Enhancements

• The following grids now support vertical row sizing by dragging:

  • Data Content

  • SQL Query Resultset

  • Query Parameter Input

Index Management

• Rebuild Index dialog now includes a logging on/off toggle.

  • Disabling logging speeds up index rebuilds in most cases.

Spatial Data Improvements

• Show Geometry (in Data Content grid context menu):

  • Now supports 3D spatial data using 2D projection for display.

Tablespace Page

• New tab “SYSAUX Occupants” shows all occupants of the SYSAUX tablespace, sorted by:

  • Used space,

  • Move procedure (if applicable).

Other Improvements

• Pipes and Outlines pages have been moved to the DBA group (requires DBA privileges).

• DBMS Jobs: New context menu item “Convert to Scheduler DDL …” generates code to create DBMS_SCHEDULER jobs (and optionally drop legacy jobs).

  • Supports multi-select for bulk conversion.

• Tables | Master/Detail Tab:

  • New data grid on the right displays column names and data types for hovered tables.

  • Context menu offers shortcuts for hovered tables: Show DDL, Browse Data Content, Copy SELECT statement.

• ORDS | Clients Page:

  • Displays granted privileges and roles for each client.

  • Context menu allows granting/revoking roles.

• ER Diagrammer: Connections now use rectangular connectors instead of diagonal lines for better readability.

Security and Runtime Updates

• • Installer now includes Wibu CodeMeter Runtime version 8.00a.

  • It is strongly recommended to update the runtime, especially on network license servers.

  • Download: Wibu User Software Downloads

  • Refer to the latest Wibu Security Advisories for details.

User Interface Modernization

• The overall visual design has been modernized to reduce clutter and improve clarity.

• New Light Style rendering option:

  • Displays controls without thick borders, extra outlines, or visual noise.

  • Adds extra padding for cells and headers and uses lightweight borders.

  • When disabled (Extras → Settings → Behavior), grids look denser and can display more data at once.

Secure Direct Connections

The Connect dialog now supports multiple secure connection types:

• Direct TCP/IP connection → Standard direct connection.

• Direct SSL connection → Recommended for secure connections.

• Direct SSH connection → Provides additional encryption and tunneling.

Oracle REST Data Services (ORDS) Integration

A new dedicated ORDS page is available under the Additional tab, featuring:

• Always-visible grid for enabling ORDS on schemas.

• Tabs for:

  • ORDS Modules

  • ORDS Templates

  • ORDS Handlers

  • ORDS Privileges (with mappings, roles, modules)

  • ORDS Roles (with role and web service mappings)

  • ORDS Objects and Members

  • ORDS Clients

  • ORDS Approvals

SQL Page Enhancements

• Last file change timestamp displayed in the header (right of file name).

• Recently changed SQL files highlighted in green (fading back to white in steps over time).

  • Controlled by Settings → Other → Highlight recently changed database objects and SQL files.

• Tree view: icon for the selected item now shows a pen overlay.

• Execute Script: For large SQL files (>10k lines), you can disable visual feedback and dbms_output logging to boost performance.

Tables Page

• New submenu: Copy to clipboard → Truncate statement creates a TRUNCATE statement template.

• Truncate Table dialog now includes a CASCADE option.

• Constraints tab: “Enable constraint” and “Disable constraint” support multi-select.

• Indexes tab: Two new multi-select options:

  • Make Unusable (recommended before mass inserts).

  • Rebuild Online (restores usability).

Data Content Improvements

• INSERT script generation:

  • Creates bulk INSERT ALL statements.

  • Bulk size configurable in Settings (set to 1 for traditional non-bulk).

  • Scripts split into multiple files if they exceed the configured size.

  • Optional direct path inserts (adds /*+append*/ and COMMIT after each).

  • Improved file writing performance using buffered streaming.

• Flat Detail Data Browser (new):

  • Opens a tree view showing the current table and all related detail tables via foreign keys.

  • Supports flat display of all sub-detail data, bypassing grouping by master.

  • Ideal for generating INSERT scripts for master-detail hierarchies.

• Data type icons are now shown next to field captions in:

  • Data Content grid,

  • SQL Query Result grid,

  • Record views.

PL/SQL Call Interface

• Procedure and function names are displayed in mixed case (as in source code), rather than all uppercase from ALL_ARGUMENTS.

• Option can be disabled via Settings → Behavior → Mixed case procedure names in PL/SQL call interface.

Synonyms Page

• New context menu items: Compile and Rename.

• “Properties” now recreates the synonym with updated properties.

Scheduler Page

• Detail information is now shown below the master grid instead of inline.

• Improves both performance and usability.

Database Links

• Properties dialog now offers more space for data entry.

• Added button next to the password field to copy username → password (not recommended for security reasons).

Flags and Customization

• New Flags tab in Settings:

  • Allows customizing captions of color tags.

  • Tags can be assigned to multiple database objects via the image combo box in overview grids.

Tablespaces Page

• Datafile grids now display percentile usage of the auto-extensible range.

• Detail grids for free space fragmentation and segments are now displayed below the main grid (with slider), improving performance.

• Queries on DBA_FREESPACE and DBA_EXTENTS may still be slow on some databases—purging the recycle bin can help.

• Add Datafile dialog:

  • Filename defaults to current datafile + “_new.”

  • Initial/Next sizes derived from the selected datafile.

  • Max size defaults to unlimited.

  • Sizes displayed in GB when applicable.

• DDL for tablespace creation now includes MAXSIZE UNLIMITED if supported by the DB.

• Quota display unified across:

  • Tablespaces → Utilization by User,

  • Users → Tablespace Utilization,

  • Schema → Summary.

  • Quotas and usage shown together; unlimited quota shown as UNLIMITED.

  • Checkbox indicates if UNLIMITED TABLESPACE privilege is granted.

• Schema Summary now displays tablespaces without explicit quotas if unlimited privilege applies.

Container Databases (CDB/PDB)

• New option: Open PDB in restricted mode.

• Create PDB dialog gains two optional parameters:

  • PDB max size,

  • Path prefix.

Database Page

• Displays time zone file version from V$TIMESTAMP_FILE.

• Helps prevent ORA-39405 errors during Data Pump imports between mismatched TSTZ versions.

SGA Page

• Now displays component size info from V$SGA_INFO instead of V$SGA.

• Old info retained in a “deprecated” tab.

• Units standardized to MB.

Users Page

• Default Roles dialog now evaluates SYS.USER$.DEFROLE.

• Displays results in a radio group: NONE, ALL, Selected.

• Updates ALTER USER accordingly.

• If querying SYS.USER$ is not permitted, roles must be selected manually.

Security and Runtime Updates

• • Installer includes Wibu CodeMeter Runtime version 7.60c.

  • Minimum required runtime version: 7.20.

  • KeepTool 16.0.0.4 upgrades runtime to 7.60d, fixing two 3rd-party library security issues.

  • Strongly recommended: update CodeMeter runtime, especially on network license servers.

  • Download: Wibu User Software Downloads

  • See also: Wibu Security Advisories.