PHP & MySQL® Web Development All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

3.8. Installing MySQL GUI Administration Programs

MySQL provides two utility programs for managing MySQL databases: MySQL Administrator and MySQL QueryBrowser. These programs aren't required for your MySQL work environment, but they provide features that help you manage your databases. These programs run on Windows, Linux, and the Mac OS.

• MySQL Administrator provides the features you need to manage your databases. You can add and remove MySQL accounts, add and manage passwords, add and remove permissions, start and stop the MySQL server, view MySQL logs, make and restore backups, and perform other administrative tasks.

• MySQL Query Browser provides a graphical shell, designed to resemble a browser interface, where you can execute SQL queries on your databases. SQL queries are the language you use to store and retrieve data. You can build SQL queries by using buttons and drag-and-drop features.

Both of these programs are provided in a single file, along with additional advanced programs, that you can download from the MySQL Web site and then install.

Download the appropriate file for your operating system from the MySQL Web site at www.mysql.com. The programs are available in an installer file (mysql-gui-tools-5.0-r11a-win32.msi) for Windows. An RPM file is available for Linux, and a PKG file (mysql-gui-tools-5.0-r11-osx10.4-universal.dmg) is available for the Mac OS.

Installing the GUI tools is similar to installing MySQL itself. In Windows, double-click the downloaded file to start ...