Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 16
Tools for MySQL Users
The MySQL server distribution doesn't include tools for many common tasks, such as
monitoring the server or comparing data between servers. Fortunately, Oracle's com-
mercial offerings extend these tools, and MySQL's active open source community and
third-party companies also provide a wide variety of tools, reducing the need to roll
your own.
Interface Tools
Interface tools help you run queries, create tables and users, and perform other routine
tasks. This section gives a brief description of some of the most popular tools for these
purposes. You can generally do all or most of the jobs they're used for with SQL queries
or commands—the tools we discuss here just add convenience, help you avoid mis-
takes, and speed up your work:
MySQL Workbench
MySQL Workbench is an all-in-one tool for tasks such as managing your server,
writing queries, developing stored procedures, and working with schema dia-
grams. It features a plugin interface that lets you write your own tools and integrate
them into the workbench, and there are Python scripts and libraries that use this
plugin interface. MySQL Workbench is available in both community and com-
mercial editions, with the commercial editions adding in some more advanced
features. The free version is more than adequate for most needs, though. You can
learn more at
http://www.mysql.com/products/workbench/
.
SQLyog
SQLyog is one of the most popular visual tools for MySQL, with many nice features.
It's in the same class as MySQL Workbench, but both tools have some checkboxes
in their feature matrices that the other doesn't have. It is available only for Microsoft
Windows, in a full-featured edition for a price and in a limited-functionality edition
for free. More information about SQLyog is available at
http://www.webyog.com
.
