The world is producing data at an unprecedented rate. But where does it all reside? The answer lies within databases. Imagine having all your business data - from customer information to product inventory - stored in one secure location, easily accessible, ready to be queried, updated, and analysed. That is precisely what a database offers— a secure location.
"Once the business data have been centralized and integrated, the value of the database is greater than the sum of the preexisting parts." ~ Larry Ellison
Especially the companies handling and working with massive datasets, a database, or specifically, a DBMS (database management system), can be a life-saving asset sheerly because of its primary use—storing data.
Working with databases is essential for developers, regardless of their field. Knowing the technical aspects is crucial for website developers and big data professionals. However, advancements have allowed non-technical individuals to manage databases using automated tools. These database tools handle operations, enhance query performance, automate processes, and track inventory while storing data.
Considering this development, this blog discusses some of the best visual database tools that you can utilize. Read on to learn more about them and their pros & cons. To gain basic knowledge about databases and see how these tools work, you can check out Database training courses by Knowledgehut.
To know about the best database management tools, one needs to start with the basics. A database is a systematic collection of data arranged in a structured manner. Information that includes client records, product catalogs, and inventory listings may be stored in databases.
There are two primary types of databases: relational and non-relational. Businesses utilize relational databases to store information in a tabular format. This information could be the names and addresses of customers, details about products, etc. On the other hand, non-relational databases are less structured and can store data in numerous formats like documents, key-value pairs, graphs, and more.
Simply put, a database tool automates the entire process of storing and organizing data in a database. Beyond the primary utility, a database tool can be tailored to your requirements, be it accessing information or modifying existing data.
Many of them offer users the best free database tools for Windows trial to help them get familiar with the features and system compatibility while installing the tools. After using it for some time, you can decide upon the features and functionality that you would require.
How Database Tools Are Helping Your Business?
Database tools and SQL can help any organization streamline its business and management with the various features it offers. Let’s move on to read why is it so.
Increased functionality: Using database management tools can give you access to more database features and functionality. For instance, they provide a graphical interface for building and executing database queries.
Smooth-sailing database maintenance: When performing database maintenance, you can use tools to make the process run more smoothly. As they reduce human involvement, there is a lesser chance of errors and bugs in your database pipelines. As a result, these tools finish the process more efficiently and without any hassle.
Convenience: Using database tools and techniques makes it easier for you to manage your database even without technical knowledge.
To gain basic knowledge about databases and see how these tools work, you can check out some Knowledgehut Database training courses.
The success of your company depends on finding a well-structured, practical database system that enables your team to handle data-related tasks with ease.
However, finding a robust database can be overwhelming, especially with so many options to choose from. To help you here, we are sharing some best database tools and hope the database tools list might be helpful for your business.
MySQL Workbench
MySQL Workbench is one of the popular visual tools for database architects. It provides data modelling, administration, and quality development for your business. MySql workbench is available on every platform like Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Additionally, you can use MySQL Workbench's extensive administration tools to easily configure your server, manage data collection and transfer, and back up stored data.
Pricing Policy- MySQL Workbench is a completely free database management system, so enjoy the free database tools.
Pros:
It works across various platforms.
It has all the components a data modeler requires to build sophisticated ER models.
User-friendly database migration tool.
Cons:
Recommended For:
As MySQL Workbench is a unified visual tool, it comes highly recommended for Database Architects, Developers, & DBAs.
Aquafold Aqua Data Studio
Aquafold Aqua Data Studio is a universal IDE (universal integrated development environment) for analytics and database. For instance, it can help developers, business analytics, and administrators to locate content with a creation date that falls within a certain time frame, locate relevant photos, and other visual information that relates to your search.
It also provides a 14-day free trial of using. To start with their services, one may have to go fill up a form and may know about the other details from the official website.
Pricing Policy- Aqua Data Studio offers a free trial. But after the free trial is over, you need to pay $499 per user per year.
Pros:
Offers a practical and simple digital workspace.
Enables data visualization.
Robust querying and SQL editing capabilities.
Collaboration and version control.
Provide version control system for available files and SQL
Enables in-depth comparison of files, data, and schema.
Cons:
It consumes significant chunks of memory, so when in use, it may hamper the other programs running simultaneously.
It has restricted its work with third-party tools, making it a bit less useful for some workplaces.
Recommended For:
Aquafold Aqua Data Studio is recommended for database developers, DBAs, & Analysts. Moreover, medium size company can use this IDE with ease.
MySQL
MySQL is one of the popular options among open-source database tools. Although, it works like a featured relational database by collecting data in separate tables rather than putting all the data alone.
MySQL is a completely free database tool for Windows. Developers voted MySQL one of the best database management systems for its reliability and performance. It offers a crucial and rich set of functions and ensures the best data security for the users.
Pricing Policy- The Standard Edition of MySQL is available for $2000 per year whereas the Enterprise Edition costs approximately $5000.
Pros:
Better recovery of data options is available in the most recent 8.0 version.
Provide perfect scalability on-demand.
Guaranteed 24 X 7surver uptime.
Complete transactional support.
Cons:
Some queries remain unresponsive, even after refreshing.
Excessive use of third-party add-ons.
In Linux OS, data operations can become challenging.
Recommended For:
Mysql is recommended for large companies with heavy workloads. As this can easily handle and maintain big databases.
Microsoft Server SQL Management Studio
Among the top DBMS tools in use presently, Microsoft's SQL Server stands out differently. Microsoft's SQL Server Studio is an integrated environment, and it uses SSMS to access and manage the analytics. The diagrams you generate with this tool can quickly be added to a project library, whether it is new or exists already. If you are seeking free database tools for Mac, Microsoft's SQL Server is one of the best options. It is among one the best open-source vscode database tools.
Pricing Policy- The standard per-core version of Microsoft's SQL Server is available at $3,586. The price of the standard server is $899, and the standard is $209. Pick up the best edition as per your requirement.
Pros:
It is simple to set up a brand-new database server from scratch.
You can create different designs, tables, and data views without syntax.
Can integrate with other programs and handle complex queries
Develops sophisticated queries using the Developer Network feature
Cons:
The client interface of the compact package is not user-friendly.
Long searches take longer to execute.
It's an expensive choice and many organizations may not afford to pay for the enterprise edition.
Recommended For:
Microsoft Server SQL Management Studio is recommended for SQL database developers, SQL business intelligence developers, and SQL database administrators.
PHPMyAdmin
If you are looking for a free and open-source administration tool, then this is a great option for you. PHPMyAdmin is a tool that enables non-technical users to do their tasks effectively. PHPMyAdmin is one of the best database management tools for small businesses lacking resources for costly open source database tools. However, you can choose it according to your business demand.
Pricing Policy- PHPMyAdmin is a completely free database management system that is available online.
Pros:
PHPMyAdmin comes with a script interface. It may use to run PHP programs that connect to databases and carry out operations. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to build and execute complex queries as well as update functions and triggers.
Allows multiple servers to operate simultaneously.
You can do Database backups using phpMyAdmin in several different formats as a configuration management database tool, including XML, CSV, SQL, PDF, Excel, Word, and Spreadsheet.
Cons:
PHPMyAdmin cannot visualize schema.
It is not possible to schedule backups automatically.
Because PHPMyAdmin exports databases as regular text files, it uses a lot of storage and has feeble security.
Recommended for:
This GUI-based SQL tool is recommended for DBAs and senior database managers. This is used to manage MySQL databases flawlessly.
RazorSQL
One of the most utilized database administration and query tools is RazorSQL. Users can check columns, unidentified keys, structural indexes, schemas, and tables with this tool. RazorSQL supports 20+ programming languages currently. It can also compare the outcomes of searches over several databases and table data. The software doesn't need any manual settings making it easier for the user to set up this database.
Pricing Policy- RazorSql is a paid tool. If you are a single user, then you need to pay $69.95. If you have a group of two plus members, then you should pay $66.25. Depending on the number of users the amount varies.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For:
This is used for administrative work, managing and editing the databases. So, this is highly recommended for DBAs, database managers, and Database editors.
SentryOne SQL Sentry
Data professionals can now improve SQL Server database performance in physical, virtual, and cloud environments with the aid of SentryOne SQL Sentry, one of the best free database tools. It has proven its success in monitoring 800+ SQL Server instances with one monitoring database and provides metrics to assist users in identifying and resolving database performance issues.
Pricing Policy- You can get the developer version of this tool for free. If you want to use or subscribe to their team, or need business subscriptions, then you need to pay $26 and $80, respectively.
Pros:
Find the slowest-moving queries
Sending email when a SQL Server is offline
Available on all types of OS.
Cons:
Due to the close connection between the client and server versions, all updates must be done simultaneously.
SentryOne can become tricky to configure sometimes, as it requires special technical knowledge.
It has a slow response time to the user.
Recommended For:
SentryOne SQL Sentry is recommended for DBAs, because this tool can be used for observance, monitoring, etc.
Navicat for MySQL
If you are looking for a database management system that may connect with MySQL and MariaDB simultaneously then Navicat for MySQL is the best option for you. This is compatible with several cloud databases like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Aurora, Google Cloud, and others. Navicat for MySQL comes with different features like a data viewer, SQL edit, migration, charts, and many more to make the work more smooth.
Pricing Policy- Its pricing list is divided into three parts such as enterprise, standard, and non-commercial. Each part has monthly, yearly, & perpetual subscriptions. In enterprise mode, the monthly cost is $17.99, while in the standard version, the cost falls to $11.99.
Pros:
Users who are not SQL professionals can simply add and filter datasets.
It directly adds, alters, and deletes table entries with Navicat Premium's comprehensive data browser interface.
Cons:
Paged data navigation might occasionally act strangely or stop working altogether in the data browser view, necessitating the restart of the session to fix it.
Saving a data export file requires navigating through numerous windows and is laborious. It should be simplified to enhance user experience.
Recommended for:
This tool is recommended for big companies that handle lots of data. Database administrators and database managers can choose the tool with closed eyes.
ManageEngine Applications Manager
ManageEngine Applications Manager is a robust performance monitoring software that offers enterprise-ready solutions for application monitoring. It is widely used for web servers, IT systems, network management, web application management, and public cloud systems. Moreover, Applications Manager enables large-scale enterprises to match flawless performance and enhance user experience.
Pricing Policy- The user gets 30 days free sql database tools trial, and after that, he/she/they need to apply for subscriptions such as enterprise & professional editions. Where the professional edition starts at $735/year, the Enterprise edition price rises to $7995/year.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommended For:
This paid tool is also recommended for big and medium-sized companies, that have vast databases daily. This tool comes with amazing management ability.
DbVisualizer
DbVisualizer is a universal database client, primarily known for data exploration, optimization and management. This no-cost tool is specially designed to offer real-time solutions, including monitoring, data encryption, UI configuration, password production, data retrieval & editing, and much more. Moreover, it is one of the most powerful SQL-based DBMS compatible with all operating systems: Linus, Windows, and macOS.
Pricing Policy- The pro version is started at $197 per user the in first year. But it would change to $69 in the second year. The pro version with premium support will cost $229 in the first year and the price will reduce to $99 per user from the second year onwards.
Pros:
Friendly user interface with quick and simple setup and installation
Straightforward database object and property navigation.
Editing table data in the spreadsheet,
Depiction of the primary or foreign key visually,
A drag-and-drop visual query builder.
Cons:
Recommended For:
This is the most well-known database tool. This is recommended for all database developers that work on databases daily.
As all database management tools serve a primary purpose—storing and managing huge volumes of data, you need to dive deeper to decide which one suits your business better.
To make a conscious decision, you must ensure that
The database has an easy-to-use interface.
Must be able to track performance.
Understand all underlying DBMS queries and commands.
DBMS Secure interface analysis of underlying resource utilization.
Preferably offer a trial version so that you have an idea of it works.
Able to handle multiple user accounts and programmable permission levels for technician access.
Final Thoughts
Businesses generate lots of data every day, and managing it manually is not a feasible task. This is where a Database Management Tool becomes a life-saver! These tools can manage and organize massive volumes of data more effectively. Given their vitality in today’s data-driven environment, many tech companies are researching and developing highly functional database management systems. This is why selecting one that meets all your requirements can be overwhelming. But don’t worry. If you’ve been attentive while going through this blog, you know what to look for. Now consider your requirements, decide how much you want to spend, and choose one of the best database management tools to set your business on a path to success.