.jpg)
- Business Development Manager
- Author
Based on our experience as a hosting provider and our knowledge of the hosting industry, we can say that database management is one of the most important tasks in server administration. If you’re not an experienced user who can configure a database directly via the command line or terminal, it’s highly recommended that you choose an online solution that provides a range of database management tools.
Why is this better? Quite simply, because most commands are consolidated into a clear, user-friendly interface, allowing you to perform them directly through your browser—including tasks such as searching for rows or columns, finding or replacing specific information, or filtering data in a particular way. Of course, there are many more use cases; we’ve only scratched the surface. Dive in and discover what the market has to offer if you need effective database management.
phpMyAdmin
phpMyAdmin was developed for the most common operating systems, including Linux and its various distributions, macOS, and Windows, and is completely free thanks to its open-source nature.
It was launched on September 9, 1988, and has been a staple since the early days of the Internet, making it a standard pairing with MySQL. Thanks to its user-friendly interface and compatibility with nearly every operating system on the market, it quickly became one of the most popular choices for developers. phpMyAdmin comes pre-installed on most web control panels.
Advantages:
- Export data in various formats
- Manage multiple servers
- Reliable performance
- Ability to search the entire database
- Low resource consumption
Disadvantages:
- Somewhat complicated for beginners
MySQL Workbench
MySQL Workbench is also compatible with all common platforms, such as Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. It is essentially free, but if you need advanced features, you can purchase them from Oracle. Note, however, that the prices can be quite high.
MySQL Workbench was originally developed for more experienced administrators, which means you’ll find everything you need there. It combines a wide range of SQL tasks into a single graphical user interface (GUI), making it an extremely powerful tool for managing MySQL queries. Similar to phpMyAdmin, it allows you to view the database’s status and make various adjustments to SQL server configurations. However, its extensive range of features can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Pros:
- Extensive range of features
- Ability to execute any SQL command via a graphical user interface
Cons:
- Extensive range of features
- There are reports that it may be slightly slower than other solutions on the market, although we cannot confirm this
- Hardware- and resource-intensive
SQL Server Management Studio
Since it’s Microsoft Windows software, it’s strictly limited to the Windows platform. It was developed specifically for Microsoft SQL Server, making it a strong choice if you want to manage a Windows Server database.
Although it’s free, you still need a license for the Windows version to run it.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Microsoft Windows Server
- Offers the same features as the previous options
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a DB tool for Linux, this isn’t the right choice for you
- Requires a Windows Server license
ManageEngine Applications Manager
If you’re looking for an alternative to SQL Server Management Studio, ManageEngine Applications Manager might be the right choice.
It was developed exclusively for Microsoft SQL and offers numerous features, such as the ability to create KPIs that you can track in real time, as well as detailed information on queries that need to be optimized and are causing latency on the server. Standout features include customizable reports and dashboards.
Pros:
- Push notifications for mobile devices and via SMS
- Excellent features for analyzing your database to identify bottlenecks
- Ability to automate certain tasks
- Compatible with cloud solutions
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Complex user interface
- Difficult to update due to a lack of documentation
DbSchema
An excellent tool for managing your database. It allows you to manage not only SQL databases but also NoSQL and cloud databases. This enables you to easily design and interact with your database, as well as quickly deploy it across multiple databases and different instances. It is paid software, but you can use a 15-day trial to see for yourself.
Advantages:
- SQL editor with autocomplete, similar to Emmet
- Ability to generate migration scripts
- Intuitive design
- CSV and SQL editors
- Interactive diagrams
- Perfect for visualizing your database
Disadvantages:
- The 15-day trial offers fairly limited functionality, so it may be better to purchase a monthly plan
- The documentation is somewhat outdated
Conclusion
There are many tools on the market; we’ve only highlighted the ones most relevant to our use case here. If you’re looking for a dedicated server with professional administration or managed services, feel free to contact the BlueServers team via LiveChat. We’re here for you 24/7, 365 days a year, and would be happy to help you choose the best server.
