MySQL Tools

When working with a MySQL database there are a number of useful tools you can use to ease up your every day work with creating, updating, restoring, exporting and much more. The best of  it all is that these tools are all for free and you can download them directly from the Internet without any sign ups.

We are going to download and install the MySQL GUI Tools Bundle for 5.0 from MySQL’s official Website. The download link can be traced from MySQL Default page -> Downloads -> GUI Tools. Or you can simple click on this link: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html

The GUI Tools Bundle contains three different tools:

• MySQL Administrator 1.2
• MySQL Query Browser 1.2
• MySQL Migration Toolkit 1.1

and you will find downloads for Windows, Mac, Linux and source downloads. The complete description of each tool can be found at the MySQL website and I will just present a short introduction here:

“MySQL Administrator is a powerful visual administration console that enables you to easily administer your MySQL environment and gain significantly better visibility into how your databases are operating. MySQL Administrator now integrates database management and maintenance into a single, seamless environment, with a clear and intuitive graphical user interface.”

“MySQL Query Browser is the easiest visual tool for creating, executing, and optimizing SQL queries for your MySQL Database Server. The MySQL Query Browser gives you a complete set of drag-and-drop tools to visually build, analyze and manage your queries.”

“MySQL Migration Toolkit is a powerful framework that enables you to quickly migrate your proprietary databases to MySQL. Using a Wizard-driven interface, the MySQL Migration Toolkit implements a proven methodology and walks you through the necessary steps to successfully complete a database migration project.”

I haven’t been using the MySQL Migration Toolkit that much so I have no experience with that. I always use the MySQL Administrator to check the MySQL Server status, startup variables, users, connections and of course when maintaining my databases and tables. You will also find a lot of useful backup and restore features, very very handy!

I use the MySQL Query Browser when I have records in my tables and I want to check if my SQL commands are working as they should. The Query Browser is excellent to use when updating, adding and deleting records in an already existing database. You will be able to write SQL script in the Query Browser too so you can easily create triggers, functions and stored procedures.

The installation process is rather straightforward. At the download page you need to click on ‘Select a Mirror’. You then come to a login / sign up screen but at the very bottom of that page there is a link ‘No thanks, just take me to the downloads!’, click on that. You are taken to a lot of different servers, chose the one nearest you and click either the HTTP or the FTP link. If you are a beginner you can just read through the text and click continue and finally install, you use the default settings already checked. If you want more control over your MySQL database and server there are plenty of information about modifying your installation on the MySQL website. The MySQL GUI Tools Bundle works perfect together with the WAMP/LAMP software. Make sure your WAMP/LAMP software is up and running before trying to start and access your MySQL database with the MySQL tools. When using the default settings together with the WAMP software your Server Host will be ‘localhost’ or 127.0.0.1.

So if you are looking for free, useful and powerful MySQL tools the MySQL GUI Tools Bundle is a perfect match. Enjoy!