The MySQL Workbench has been out for a little while now, and I kind of put it to the back of my mind, because when it come out it was on Windows only. I, myself use Linux about 90% of the time, so I figured I would wait until they had a Linux version. The other day I was surfing MySQL website and noticed that they have a Linux, and OS X version now. So I figured I would give it a try.

I have use the MySQL GUI tools before and while they are great for simplifying administration and have a lot of basic functionality, they are lacking in the design and development areas. Now enters MySQL Workbench. It’s a data modeling and design tool. To quote the MySQL website.

“MySQL Workbench enables a DBA, developer, or data architect to visually design, generate, and manage all types of databases including Web, OLTP, and data warehouse databases. It includes everything a data modeler needs for creating complex ER models, and also delivers key features for performing difficult change management and documentation tasks that normally require much time and effort” 

All in all it’s not a bad tool. It’s easy to use and fills a hole in the MySQL toolkit. Of course there are two version of it Community and Standard, of which the standard has $99 a year subscription and has additional plugins.

Check it out: http://www.mysql.com/products/workbench/