Getting Started with dbForge Studio for MySQL

Why MySQL?

The more data you have, the wiser you need to handle it. Hence, a good solution will be a relational database. Relational databases are mainly used to store and manage big volumes of data, and, since they are called relational, they contain relations established by means of primary and foreign keys. Sure enough, there are plenty of relational database management systems, each one having something peculiar and distinctive. However, today we are going to focus on the MySQL database and decide on why it came to be the world’s most popular database system.

MySQL is an open-source and free relational database management system (RDBMS) based on SQL queries. It works on various platforms, including UNIX, Linux, and Windows, to implement a relational database in a computer's storage system. Apart from that, it provides network access and allows database developers to test database integrity and create backups. MySQL is supported by Oracle and is considered to be the most secure and safe database. Where does this reputation come from?

Top 5 Reasons to Use MySQL

MySQL has come to be very popular among both small and big businesses. And as claimed officially by Oracle, it is the world’s most popular open-source database, which lets developers quickly develop and deploy secure, cloud-native applications. What are the reasons for that?

1. Ease of use

For one thing, MySQL is quite straightforward and user-friendly. So if you know a thing or two about SQL (structured query language) and are familiar with basic SQL statements, you will be able to build and interact with MySQL.

2. High Security Level

Another significant advantage is that MySQL is globally recognized as the most secure and reliable database management system. MySQL database provides a solid data security layer that protects sensitive data from intruders.

3. Scalability

MySQL can boast excellent on-demand flexibility: it has the power to manage almost any volume of data, up to 50 million rows or more in a table. It allows almost complete customization: with an initial file size limit of 4 GB that you can increase up to a theoretical limit of 8 TB of data.

4. Performance

Owing to its unique storage-engine architecture, MySQL is geared to support even the most intensive applications while ensuring proper speed, full-text indexes, and memory caches for high-performance results.

5. Flexibility

Even though MySQL is an open-source solution, it provides excellent 24-7 support aimed at enhancing user experience. Besides, MySQL supports a great number of embedded applications, which makes the database exceedingly flexible.

Choosing Best MySQL Client

The case is that in order to interact with a MySQL database, one needs a server access tool that can communicate with the MySQL server. But what we are really searching for is a multi-purpose tool that offers wide functional capabilities allowing us to not only interact but fully manage, develop, and maintain a database. And speaking of a good tool, let us present our very best, dbForge Studio for MySQL.

What is dbForge Studio for MySQL?

dbForge Studio for MySQL is a multi-functional GUI tool that provides a large spectrum of features for the development, management, and administration of MySQL and MariaDB databases. The intuitive interface of the IDE empowers you and facilitates such tasks as creating and executing queries, developing and debugging stored routines, automating database object management, and analyzing table data. But wait, there is more to it than that!

Database Development

Devart applied the best technologies to provide the user with the easiest way to edit snippets, format and auto-complete the code, handle bugs, and profile queries. The built-in features help you optimize the development process and quickly detect and eliminate the bottlenecks.

Database Design

dbForge Studio for MySQL provides a user-friendly interface as well as a rich toolbox that enables you to analyze, reverse-engineer, print, customize, or perform any other database design task. In addition, you can visually create complex queries, design tables, organize scripts and object files into one project.

Database Administration

As for the set of database administration tools, by means of our MySQL client, you can back up and restore your MySQL database, easily transfer data in and out in 14 different formats, and copy data from one server to another with a few mouse clicks.

Data Reports and Analysis

The IDE delivers a rich set of utilities for building high-quality reports and making profound analysis in a wink. You get to easily pivot your data, visualize data trends and dependencies as well as make reasonable business choices based on the reports.

You can also check the comprehensive list of the features present in dbForge Studio for MySQL.

Cross-Platform Software

Windows users have been enjoying the benefits of dbForge Studio for MySQL for many years now. However, we decided that it is not fair to gate-keep this IDE to only one OS. It is now available on Linux and macOS as well. To run dbForge Studio, you need not only .NET Framework 4.7.2 or higher (as for the Windows environment) but also a specialized application called CrossOver, which provides a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on different operating systems. For your convenience, we have created an advanced manual on how to install MySQL on Ubuntu and macOS, along with full video instructions, Linux, and Debian.

Start with dbForge Studio for MySQL

The most effective way to get started with dbForge Studio for MySQL is to read our PDF guide with a detailed feature overview and all of our helpful tutorials in one place.

You may also follow the instructions below to learn how to install dbForge Studio for MySQL and create a database connection.

Installation process

To start, you should have MySQL Server installed. Depending on what OS you are using, the installation process will be a little different:

Windows

1. Download dbForge Studio for MySQL and run dbforgemysql.exe to begin the installation process.

2. Open dbForge Studio for MySQL.

You can download a 30-day free trial of dbForge Studio for MySQL and reap the benefits granted by the Enterprise version of our product.

macOS and Linux

1. Download and install CrossOver for macOS or Linux.

2. Choose one of the two ways you are going to follow during the installation: scenario-based or manual.

3. Run dbForge Studio for MySQL on your machine.

You can also refer to an illustrated step-by-step installation guide for more detailed instructions.

Getting familiar

Once you are finished with the installation, you can proceed to get familiar with the program. To begin with, launch dbForge Studio for MySQL, and you will see the following screen, i.e., Start Page.

The central part of the Start Page displays several tabs, which represent the main functionality modules: SQL Development, Database Design, Database Sync, Administration, Data Pump, and Data Analysis. Before you start exploring the available functionality, you will need to create the MySQL Server connection.

Creating a connection to a database

Before establishing a database connection, you first need to create a server connection.

1. Open the Database Connection Properties dialog box by either clicking New Connection on the Database menu or by clicking the New Connection button on the Connection toolbar:

2. In the Type box, select the desired connection type: TCP/IP or Named pipe. Next, enter the Host name and the Port information. The default port number is 3306. For a Named pipe connection, enter the pipe name in the Pipe box.

3. Type your login credentials in the User and Password fields.

4. After that, type or select the name of the Database you want to connect to. Note that the Connection Name is generated automatically unless you specify a particular name for your new connection. If you don't have the database yet, you can download the ZIP package of MySQL sample database and unpack it.

5. Optionally, you can go to other tabs and configure advanced connection properties, security properties (SSL or SSH), and HTTP tunnel properties.

6. You can click Test Connection to verify that you can connect to the database by using the specified connection information.

Click Ok to finalize the creation of a database connection and check your connection in the Database Explorer window.

Congrats, you have successfully connected to your MySQL Database! Now, you can start using the program at full capacity and benefit from a diverse range of features it delivers.