Best tools for designing and administering Mysql databases

Among them, MySQL is probably the most well-known database management system, and also the most used database management system. However, using the MySQL Command Line (command-line interface) is quite difficult in designing and administering the database.

We have a wide range of database management tools to help developers develop, build, and manage their databases. Each tool has its unique characteristics and features. Today I will introduce you to a number of extremely useful, easy-to-use tools to manage, build, and develop databases with database management systems such as MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL.

1. MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench has a lot of useful functions, it allows manipulating databases such as creating tables, performing queries… and helps design a database with many relational tables. 

MySQL Workbench is supported by Oracle, which is also the current owner of MySQL. So, the latest versions of Workbench will definitely be compatible with MySQL. Now MySQL Workbench has supported the most popular operating systems such as Windows, Linux, MacOS.

2. phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a web-based MySQL administration tool written in PHP. It is one of the most popular web-based tools for database administration. "Why?" you might ask. Because it's easy to use and completely free.

phpMyAdmin may lack some advanced features compared to other tools, but the basic functionality is enough to help you create websites that work without much advanced MySQL knowledge.

Some of the advantages of phpMyAdmin are:

1. It is accessible from any computer because it is a web service.
2. Easy installation.
3. Support for many languages in the world (about 80 languages).

3. HeidiSQL

HeidiSQL is a free and fairly lightweight software tool for working with databases in general and MySQL in particular. With it, you can carry out such operations as browsing or editing data, creating and modifying tables, managing user permissions, etc.

Currently, HeidiSQL only supports Windows operating system platform, if you use other operating systems such as Ubuntu or other distribution versions of Linux, you must install WinE to run it.

Some of the functions of HeidiSQL are:

1. It can connect to MySQL database via SSH.
2. It allows batch insert of ASCII and binary files into the table.
3. It is available in a portable version (Portable version), which means you don't need to install it but still be able to use or manage administrative privileges.

4. Navicat for MySQL

Navicat for MySQL is a toolkit for programmers and database administrators, it is compatible with MySQL, MariaDB, and cloud databases. Navicat delivers features that provide the ability to simplify the database development process, increase productivity when performing various administrative and management tasks.

This tool has only a paid version, users can download a full-featured free trial for 14 days to evaluate its functionality. After that, if you want to continue using it, you have to buy a license. Navicat supports most operating systems from Windows, Linux to MacOS.

Navicat for MySQL allows for synchronization of connection settings, models, and queries with Navicat Cloud so that they can be shared with colleagues anytime, from anywhere.

5. dbForge Studio for MySQL

It is actually an IDE that includes a wide range of features and functions required for the development and maintenance of MySQL databases.

It allows you to create and execute queries, develop and debug stored procedures, automate database object management, analyze table data through an intuitive interface, and much more. 

Currently, dbForge Studio for MySQL supports Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems.

Outstanding Features of dbForge Studio for MySQL

1. The query formatting feature allows creating and modifying queries to make them as standard as possible.
2. MariaDB database management system support.
3. Ability to script the results for SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE statements to SQL file with the help of CRUD Generator.

Database Development: dbForge Studio for MySQL provides extensive functionality and a wide range of built-in tools to automate processes and give developers more flexibility in database development.

1. Edit and run queries in a new SQL document
2. Build queries in the visual designer
3. Run a large file without downloading it to memory
4. Create unit tests using the tSQLt framework
5. Debug functions and stored procedures
6. Version-control database changes
7. Create database objects in the visual editor
8. Export database to a script file

Database Management: As a powerful MySQL manager, dbForge Studio for MySQL boasts a set of database management tools that help DBAs protect data and resolve problems before they harm your database.

1. Compare and synchronize database schemas
2. Compare and synchronize data between two databases
3. Copy databases
4. Create database documentation in the HTML, PDF, or Markdown format
5. Create Schema Snapshot
6. Generate test data and immediately populate the database
7. Export/Import table data to a file (CSV, Excel, XML, etc.)

Database Administration: Database administration is a complex and time-consuming job, requiring high skills and experience. That's why dbForge Studio for MySQL provides professional administration tools to secure database management.

1. Set up user accounts and permissions
2. Clone, move or upgrade a MySQL database
3. Backup and restore databases
4. Monitor server performance in the online mode
5. Export schemas and databases to script files
6. Diagnose server problems
7. Find and fix database fragmentation issues

Reporting and Data Analysis: Creating data reports and dashboards, as well as comparing data, can take a lot of time and effort. MySQL client in question provides an IDE that increases productivity with the help of the following tools:

1. Data Reporting
2. Pivot Tables
3. Data Compare
4. Master-Detail Browser

Advantages of dbForge Studio for MySQL:

1. Build databases easily. The tool helps design and draw data tables using the Diagram feature. Tables can be plotted and the relations between them can be overviewed.
2. MySQL Debugger is essential when you want to spot specific errors in hundreds of lines of query code.
3. Compare Database Structure and Data. This feature is very useful when you work on multiple versions of a database. It helps compare the data or structure of two databases and then synchronize them if required.
4. Generate Test Data. This functionality is extremely necessary when you need to generate loads of data that is fake but 'beautiful like real data'.
5. Format SQL. Beautify your queries in the wink of an eye. You don't have to work through each query in your long query string.
6. Auto-suggestions for queries and scripts) automatically prompt and generate query strings during query writing. Just imagine that when you type 'sel' and press the TAB key, there already a string SELECT * FROM appears. Then select the table and focus the mouse on the character '*' and you will have a complete SELECT string with all the data columns in the table. So you don't need to type each column name. This is a cool feature that saves up to 90% of SELECT query string writing time.
7. Import/Export Data, Automation testing, and tons of other features that I haven't used yet…

Install dbForge Studio for MySQL

The installation is quite easy, I won't say much here. Download dbForge Studio for MySQL here, then choose where to install. Press NEXT, NEXT, and you're done.

 

Conclusion

So in this article, I have shared with you the TOP 5 interface tools that are widely used today to manage the most popular MySQL database management system. Of course, each tool has its advantages and disadvantages, either free or paid. Which tool to choose depends on your specific needs and financial capabilities. Good luck!