In this blog, I will describe the top 5 MySQL tools for Windows OS to connect MySQL and write queries faster to speed up development. Also, I will consider advance features such as Query Optimization to boost query performance, and Debug & fix MySQL regular production issues. In fact, We are giving Ranks based on tools advance features and popularity.
List of MySQL Tools for Windows with Ranking.
- Rank#1: Smartworkbench [89/100]
- Rank#2: MySQL Workbench [49/100]
- Rank#4: HeidiSQL [48/100]
- Rank#3: SQLyog [48/100]
- Rank#5: dbForge Studio for MySQL [45/100]
#1 SmartWorkbench
The SmartWorkbench is one of the best MySQL tools available in Free and Paid versions. In fact, it was designed by Industry-leading DB architects. It has rich features very useful for Developers, DBA, and designers. In addition, it has MySQL Query Optimizer, production issues debugger featues. Anyhow. It is best to choose for application team, DBA and who need the best MySQL performance.
Pros:
SmartWorkbench Features for Developers:
- Dynamic Query Builder helps to write SQL queries 10X times faster than other tools using Query Dynamic builder. I mean, you can write and build queries at same time in the query browser. Anyhow, It can generate all types of SQL queries if you type starting letters of SQL Query clause then drag and drop table/column. Also, It generates JOIN condition automatically if you drag a new table into the existing query. Moreover, It works for sub-queries and DELETES, UPDATES, INSETS commands.
- MySQL Query Optimizer: Generally, Developers write SQL queries and integrate them into an application. In some cases, they forgot to add optimal indexes. Some times they are unable to find out optimal indexes for their SQL Query. Smartworkbench MySQL GUI tool can Identify query which is not using the right indexes and giving warning while developing. After that, it can recommend optimal indexes for the Query, re-write recommendations. More interestingly, you can get significant performance improvements.
- Pl/SQL code Generator: it can generate PL/SQL coder for stored procedures for a cursor, audit table triggers, and other PL/SQL blogs, Demo
- Easy & efficiently reuse historical SQL queries (Ctrl+shift+H), Frequently Executing queries(Ctrl+shift+Q) and favorite queries (Ctrl+shift+F) with inline search option
- Syntax error highlighter can locate the exact location of the query’s syntax errors. Also, it shows the Foreign key error root cause.
- Advance Auto-complete with SQL syntax, Beautify your Query with Query format, visual explain, Query profiling, Lock-Free execution and all other general features which are available other MySQL GUI tools
SmartWorkbnech Features for DBA
- MySQL Query Optimizer is integrated with a slow query log analyzer module and Performance_schema’s Query statements. DBA can efficiently do MySQL query optimization better than DB performance engineer using this option
- MySQL Query Optimizer is integrated with a slow query log analyzer module and Performance_schema’s Query statements. DBA can efficiently do MySQL query optimization better than DB performance engineer using this option
- Debug and Fix Production issues with high efficiency: it can detect regular MySQL production issues such as DEADLOCKS, QUERY LOCKS, LONG-RUNNING QUERIES, HIGH CPU/RAM/DISK IO issues, REPLICATION LAGGING, LONG RUNNING TRANSACTIONS, TOO-MANY CONNECTIONS and so on and provide the solution to fix them quickly to avoid DB service outage. Most importantly it is faster than humans debugging.
- Slow query analyzer can automatically upload your DB server slow queries file files and display details reports. It is easy to sort with query execution frequency, response time and find out problematic queries and integrated query Optimizer help to query optimize them with fingertips.
- Preloaded DBA Queries & reports in favorites.
SmartWrokbnech Features for DB designers:
- Schema modeling
- Index design with MySQL query Optimizer.
- Database synchronization wizard
cons
- Some users are reporting crashes/bugs, but its nothing that significantly interrupts daily usage.
- No drag and drop support between multiple tabs.
#2 MySQL Workbench
In fact, MySQL workbench developed by MySQL and it is embedded from MySQL 5.7 version on Windows OS. In case, it is a good MySQL tool for MAC If you run queries rarely on DB.
Pros:
- Support Cross-platform – available for Windows OS , Ubuntu Linux, and macOS.
- Syntax error highlighter.
- Visual schema Designer.
- Query format
- Visual explain
- Syntax highlighter
- It is Free licensed under GPL.
Cons:
- The software sometimes crashes.
- Large queries can’t be stopped using the Query kill option and have to be forcefully killed.
- In some cases it went to hang stage, the entire application has to be a reboot
#3 – HeidiSQL
HeidiSQL is another MySQL tools for windows and it is free.
Pros:
- Easy to use with a nice graphical user interface.
- It is Free
- DB user and privileges management options.
- Automate connections via command line utility.
- Supports SSH tunnel
- Syntax checks and auto-completion features.
- Query Builder.
Cons:
- Some crashes/bugs, but nothing that significantly interrupts the daily usage.
- Doesn’t directly support Linux and macOS
#4 SQLYOG
SQLYOG is one of the oldest MySQL tools for windows developed in C language.
Pros:
- A very innovative user interface.
- Visually design the schema tables, constraints, and queries.
- Schedule tasks like backup, restore email notifications and more.
- Personalize the look and feel with themes.
- The user interface is very customize-able.
- Developed in C language. It is fast and stable.
- Schema sync tools.
- Supports SSH tunnel
Cons:
- The high price for the professional version.
- Occasional software crashes.
- It doesn’t support Linux or Mac.
- No drag and drop support between multiple tabs.
#5 – dbForge Studio for MySQL
DBForge MySQL tools for windows only developed using .NET programming. It works only in windows
Pros:
- Comfortable Graphical user interface for both beginner and advanced users.
- Built-in query profile that allows us to profile the query and compare it with other queries.
- Stored Procedure Debugger
- Basic query builder and database builder. Drag and drop to build your own custom queries and database schema.
- Good syntax completion & checker.
- DB user & privileges management features.
- It allows us to schedule database backups.
- Allows storing code snippets.
Cons:
- The high price
- It has very basic JSON viewer
- In some times the autocomplete feature stops working
Please let me know any tool which is available in the market is better than anyone of these with features in the below comments.
