SQL

15 Best Free and Open Source Linux MySQL Tools

MySQL is a relational database management system. It provides a very fast, multi-threaded, multi-user, and robust SQL (Structured Query Language) database server. MySQL is the most popular open source database, and is the database component of the LAMP software stack. LAMP consists of the Apache web server, MySQL and PHP, the essential building blocks to run a general purpose web server. MySQL is used and championed by many large organizations including Google, Facebook, the BBC, Intel, Sun, SAP, Dell, AMD, Novell, Veritas and many others.

With the increasing popularity of MySQL, it is not surprising that developers have written useful tools which help users to monitor, query, administer, troubleshoot, and optimize MySQL databases.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 15 excellent MySQL tools. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone interested in managing MySQL databases with the minimum of fuss.

Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. Only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion.

Ratings chart for the best free and open source MySQL tools

Click the links in the table to learn more about each tool.

MySQL Tools
phpMyAdminMySQL web administration tool
DBeaverUniversal database tool
MySQL WorkbenchComplete visual database design tool
NocoDBBuild databases as spreadsheets
mycliCommand line interface for MySQL, MariaDB, and Percona
gh-ostGitHub's Online Schema Migrations for MySQL
Percona ToolkitEssential command-line utilities for MySQL
DbGateDatabase manager for MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
SQuirreL SQL ClientGraphical SQL client written in Java
AdminerFull-featured tool for managing content in MySQL database
XtraBackupBackup utility for MySQL
orchestratorHigh availability and replication management tool
innotopReal-time, advanced investigation tool
OmniDBCollaborative environment For database management
SQLCheckDetects common SQL anti-patterns

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David Goadby
David Goadby
4 years ago

You left out SQuirrel. It’s written in Java so is cross platform too. Personally I use DBeaver the most.

Trent Calder
Trent Calder
4 years ago
Reply to  David Goadby

Good call, I remember using SQuirrel in the past. Not a patch on DBeaver though.

Trent Calder
Trent Calder
4 years ago

It’s a shame mytop was discontinued, although it’s still available to download. But thanks for alerting me to innotop, which on the face it it looks very interesting.

Efface
Efface
4 years ago

Really nice list of MySQL Tools.

John
John
10 months ago

Although the article “15 Best Free and Open Source Linux MySQL Tools” provides insightful information, it ignores a noteworthy tool.