MySQL Workbench provides a graphical tool for working with MySQL Servers and databases. MySQL Workbench fully supports MySQL Server versions 5.1 and above. It is also compatible with MySQL Server 5.0, but not every feature of 5.0 may be supported. It does not support MySQL Server versions 4.x.
The following discussion briefly describes MySQL Workbench capabilities. For more information, see the MySQL Workbench manual, available at http://dev.mysql.com/doc/workbench/en/.
MySQL Workbench provides three main areas of functionality:
SQL Development: Enables you to create and manage connections to database servers. As well as enabling you to configure connection parameters, MySQL Workbench provides the capability to execute SQL queries on the database connections using the built-in SQL Editor. This functionality replaces that previously provided by the Query Browser standalone application.
Data Modeling: Enables you to create models of your database schema graphically, reverse and forward engineer between a schema and a live database, and edit all aspects of your database using the comprehensive Table Editor. The Table Editor provides easy-to-use facilities for editing Tables, Columns, Indexes, Triggers, Partitioning, Options, Inserts and Privileges, Routines and Views.
Server Administration: Enables you to create and administer server instances. This functionality replaces that previously provided by the MySQL Administrator standalone application.
MySQL Workbench is available in two editions, the Community Edition and the Standard Edition. The Community Edition is available free of charge. The Standard Edition provides additional Enterprise features, such as database documentation generation, at low cost.