MySQL

Oracle’s MySQL tool has been around since May 1995 and during all this time it managed to become a very popular, very sought-after utility for managing databases. The cross-platform and open source MySQL is especially used by web admins to run and manage databases. Whatever database management need you may have, MySQL is sure to meet it.

The main author of the original MySQL version is Ulf Michael Widenius. The application’s name is made up of two elements: My, the name the author’s daughter, and SQL, which is short for Structured Query Language.

All MySQL products for all editions of Microsoft Windows operating system are offered in a single package that weighs in at some 200MB. It contains the following: MySQL, Server, all supported connectors, Workbench and sample models, MySQL Notifier, MySQL for Excel, MySQL for Visual Studio, sample databases, and documentation. Download this 200MB MSI file, run it, and you will be presented with a setup wizard that will guide you through the installation and configuration of your MySQL products.

Access to MySQL’s functionality is provided via the MySQL Workbench GUI tool which offers an integrated tool environment for database design and modeling, SQL development, and database administration. From a data modeling point of view, MySQL Workbench allows you to create and manage models, forward and reverse engineer, compare and sync schemas, and more. From an SQL development point of view, MySQL Workbench allows you to connect to existing databases and run SQL queries, SQL scripts, edit data, and manage database objects. And from a Server Administration point of view, you can configure your database server, set up user accounts, browser status variables and server logs.

MySQL, the open source and very popular database, is a must have for anyone who needs to work with databases.