CockroachDB is updating its interactive SQL shell in version 23.1 by integrating Charm's Bubble Tea framework to improve user experience and address long-standing issues. Historically, the SQL shell has been a crucial tool for users to explore, learn, and troubleshoot within CockroachDB, but its development was previously neglected due to its wide impact and the team's focus on the SQL query engine. The update involves replacing the outdated libedit line editor, which caused bugs and lacked features, with a new custom editor called Bubbline, built on Bubble Tea. This change enhances multi-line editing, stability, and user interface capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility. The update is part of a broader strategy to adopt modern, asynchronous, and event-driven terminal user interfaces, allowing for future expansions like live monitoring and interactive data editors, ultimately aiming to create a more engaging and efficient user experience.