Five MySQL database management tools

Introduction

\n\tWhether you like it or hate it, you may have to deal with MySQL at some point. A lot of users think the only way to manage those databases is from the MySQL shell within a terminal. Yes, that’s one way. But there are also several tools available that can help you manage the MySQL databases. Let’s take a look at five of them.

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\n\tNote: If you’d prefer to view this information as a blog post, check out this entry in our Five Apps blog.

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\n\tPhoto: iStockphoto.com/onurdongel

MySQL command shell

\n\tOf course we should start with the built-in command-line tool. From the MySQL command shell, you can do anything you need with your MySQL databases.

MySQL command shell

\n\tMany users swear by the command shell; others are intimidated by its complex command-line syntax. But if you want sheer power, this is the tool to use.

MySQL Workbench

\n\tMySQL Workbench is a MySQL administrator’s dream come true. And like any good database management tool, it has a built-in query tool and command shell.

Webmin MySQL module

\n\tAlthough not quite as powerful as the MySQL Workbench (you can work only on the databases local to the server), the MySQL Webmin module allows you do handle nearly any task on your databases — all through your Web browser.

Webmin MySQL module

\n\tThe Webmin MySQL module makes it easy to manage your databases on one server from anywhere that has access to the machine.

phpMyAdmin

\n\tphpMyAdmin has a user-friendly interface and makes the tasks of creating and managing databases simple. It also allows for the execution of MySQL commands from within the interface.

Emma

\n\tEmma is another GUI tool for the management of MySQL databases. Although not as feature-rich as MySQL Workbench, it does a great job of offering a user-friendly interface for database management on a particular machine.

Emma

\n\tOne of Emma’s handiest features is the ability to export query results into a csv list file.