Visualization plays a vital role across many fields, and database management is no exception. Given the complexity of databases with their numerous interconnected elements, visualization provides an intuitive way to present these structures. It simplifies tasks such as search, navigation, and overall comprehension of the database.
This concept is central to the design of database browsers found in modern database IDEs. These tools aim to make database access and management and their objects more efficient and user-friendly.
In this article, we'll explore the Database Explorer feature in dbForge Studio for MySQL — a graphical interface designed to help users visually manage MySQL and MariaDB database connections, structures, and objects. We'll cover its core functionality, the types of objects it supports, and common workflows it enables.
A MySQL database browser is a graphical client application designed to help users browse and manage MySQL databases. It displays the structure and contents of a database visually (which is why it's also called a MySQL database viewer) and allows database specialists to perform tasks without manually handling and writing volumes of SQL code.
Many modern IDEs for MySQL (e.g., the default MySQL Workbench or a more feature-rich MySQL IDE alternative, dbForge Studio for MySQL) are often referred to as MySQL database browsers. The database browsing feature acts as a central hub for database management and exploration.
In dbForge Studio for MySQL, this tool is called Database Explorer. Let's take a closer look at what it offers and how it works.
Database Explorer is a tree-based visual interface that allows users to interact with connected databases and their objects, manage them, easily navigate through database objects, and perform essential administrative and development tasks.
With Database Explorer, you can:
You can also perform many other essential database tasks.
Database Explorer gives you instant access to database schemas, allowing you to view all objects directly. Select the desired database node in the left pane and expand it to see all objects organized into folders. You can then expand each folder to view the objects of that specific type. For your convenience, Database Explorer also displays the number of objects in each folder, shown in parentheses next to the folder name.
Tables are the core structures in a database. They are structured collections of data organized in rows, while columns define the attributes or fields of each row.
Views are virtual tables that present data from one or more tables through a predefined SQL query. This way, views simplify complex queries and improve data security.
Stored procedures and functions are reusable blocks of SQL code stored in the database for specific purposes. Stored procedures perform particular tasks or routines, while functions return values and can be used within SQL expressions.
A trigger is a database object associated with a particular table that automatically runs specific SQL statements when a certain event occurs on that table. An event is a database object that contains one or more SQL statements to be executed at a specified time or on a recurring basis.
Constraints enforce rules on data integrity (e.g., uniqueness or referential integrity). Indexes improve the speed of data retrieval by providing fast access paths to table data.
To view the properties of any specific object, right-click the necessary object and select Properties from the context menu.
Now, let us examine the key features of the Database Explorer for MySQL specialists.
In their daily work, database developers and administrators perform numerous routine tasks that, while common, can be time-consuming if done through code. The powerful visualization capabilities of Database Explorer simplify this process, allowing users to complete these tasks with a single click.
The tree-based visual structure and convenient organization of database objects by type make it easy to locate a database and view its objects. Filters allow displaying fewer objects so you can quickly find the necessary one and work with it.
You can quickly find specific objects by owner or name, as well as use masks to select multiple relevant objects and filter them for easier viewing. It is beneficial for large and complex databases.
The Object Viewer feature gives you quick access to any database object. Select the object in the left pane, right-click it, and choose Show Details from the menu (or click the Object Viewer icon at the top).
The Object Viewer pane will open instantly, displaying a summary of the object and its SQL code. For tables and views, you can also view the stored data, similar to executing a SELECT * command.
You can create, configure, and manage database connections directly from the Database Explorer.
To get started, click the New Connection icon and fill in the required details in the Database Connection Properties window. For easier identification, you can assign a custom name and color to the connection.
When ready, click Test Connection to verify the settings, and then click Connect to establish the connection.
Database Explorer allows you to edit data in tables inline, directly from within the Object Viewer window. Select the necessary folder, choose the Show Details command, and enable the Data mode in Object Viewer.
By default, the table with data is in read-only mode. Switch to the table name to unlock the edit mode.
The Query Builder feature allows you to construct even the most complicated SQL queries visually, by using predefined blocks and relationships. To quickly add the tables to use in a query, drag them from the Database Explorer and drop them into the Query Builder area.
We have highlighted the most common tasks that become easier with the help of the Database Explorer. This feature offers much more. As the central working hub of dbForge Studio for MySQL, Database Explorer is fully integrated with other advanced tools in the application, allowing you to launch them directly from the Explorer pane to perform specific tasks.
You can generate DDL statements for tables, views, stored procedures, functions, and triggers automatically from within the Database Explorer. Select the necessary object, right-click it, and choose Generate Script As from the context menu. Database Explorer launches the SQL Editor tool, allowing you to immediately access the script, edit it, execute it, or save it for reuse.
Comparing and synchronizing database schemas and table data are key tasks in database development and management. dbForge Studio for MySQL provides dedicated tools that allow you to compare databases and deploy changes quickly and conveniently. You can launch these tools in several ways, including directly from the Database Explorer.
To do this, select the desired database node and right-click it. From the context menu, choose Tasks > New Schema Comparison or New Data Comparison. Database Explorer will automatically launch the appropriate tool and guide you through configuration using visual wizards.
The option to create or restore backups is also available from the Database Explorer. Select the necessary database and right-click it. Then choose Tasks > Backup Database or Restore Database. The necessary wizard will open automatically.
dbForge Studio for MySQL supports more than 10 popular data formats for both import and export tasks. These operations can be easily configured using intuitive visual wizards and launched directly from the Database Explorer.
Expand the desired database node and select the table you want to export data from (or import data into). Then, right-click the table and choose Export Data or Import Data from the context menu.
dbForge Studio for MySQL is a comprehensive IDE designed for professionals working with MySQL and MariaDB databases, both on-premises and in the cloud. It offers a wide range of features for every stage of database development, management, data analysis, and administration. The Studio is especially useful for optimizing routine tasks.
dbForge Studio for MySQL and its Database Explorer help new employees quickly understand database structures. The tree-based visual representation, combined with detailed information in the Object Viewer, provides clear summaries and allows users to explore individual objects in more depth — moving easily from general structures to specific items.
Stored procedures and functions play a critical role in ensuring proper database functionality. It is highly recommended to debug them before deployment, and dbForge Studio for MySQL makes this process simple. Just select the desired stored procedure in the Database Explorer, right-click it, and choose Step Into (or press F11).
As previously mentioned, dbForge Studio for MySQL includes powerful tools for comparing database schemas and table data. It accurately identifies and displays all differences in a user-friendly visual interface. You can easily filter the results for convenience and choose to deploy changes automatically, whether it's a single object or record, a group of items, or all differences at once.
The Studio also generates synchronization scripts, which you can run immediately, customize to fit your specific needs, save for future use, or integrate into automated comparison and synchronization workflows.
Data reporting is often required in many scenarios, and the Database Explorer makes it easy to generate various types of reports. Select the desired database table from the left pane and right-click it. Under the Send To command, you can choose from multiple reporting options, such as Master-Detail Browser, Pivot Table, Chart Designer, or Data Report.
The Database Explorer is more than just a feature — it serves as a starting point where you work and access all the capabilities of dbForge Studio for MySQL conveniently.
dbForge Studio for MySQL is a powerful solution designed to make database tasks as straightforward as possible. Its advanced visual interface stands out from many alternatives, providing users with convenient access to all essential tools and allowing them to tailor workflows to maximize productivity.
The Database Explorer in dbForge Studio for MySQL further optimizes your work. It enables quick access to all databases and connections, allowing you to review structures and objects before moving on to other tasks. This way, you can build a smooth and efficient database management process.
You can try dbForge Studio for MySQL in your actual work scenarios. Download the fully functional 30-day free trial, install it, and see how the Studio handles your daily tasks. Devart ensures the software stays fully functional with regular updates and provides professional support so that you can focus on your work with confidence and ease.
Yes. Modern MySQL IDEs provide graphical interfaces for browsing databases. dbForge Studio for MySQL includes the Database Explorer, which offers a comprehensive overview of all your databases, schemas, and schema objects in a convenient tree-based format. This allows you to quickly understand the overall database structure and explore individual objects in detail as needed.
With dbForge Studio for MySQL, you can easily view stored procedures and functions. In the Database Explorer pane, select the desired database and expand its node. Stored procedures and functions are grouped separately. Expand the Procedures and Functions nodes to see their lists, and use the Object Viewer to access detailed information for each procedure or function.
Yes. In dbForge Studio for MySQL, select the desired table, right-click it, and choose Show Details to open it in the Object Viewer. Switch to Data mode to view the table contents, then activate the editing mode to make table fields directly editable.
dbForge Studio for MySQL provides a Connection Manager integrated with the Database Explorer. Click the connection icon to add a new connection, enter the host, port, username, and password, give it a descriptive name, and click Connect. The Studio supports all active MySQL and MariaDB versions, both on-premises and in the cloud.
dbForge Studio for MySQL supports exporting table data in multiple formats. Select the table, right-click it, and choose Export Data. The intuitive visual wizards guide you through the process, supporting Excel, CSV, and 12 other popular formats for a total of 14 options.
The Database Explorer includes built-in filtering. Right-click the node you want to filter (e.g., Tables) and select Filter. Specify your filtering criteria, or load settings from external files for repeated use.
dbForge Studio for MySQL is a native Windows application, but can run on macOS and Linux using compatibility solutions such as CrossOver or Wine.
Yes. In the Database Explorer, right-click the desired object, choose Generate Script As, and specify the desired script type.
You can download a fully functional 30-day free trial. Install it to access all the features of the most powerful edition of dbForge Studio for MySQL and test them under your real workload.
