phpMyAdmin 5.2.1

Overview

PHPMyAdmin is an open source, browser-based utility used for the management of MySQL databases. This tool lets you modify, create, or delete rows, fields, tables, and even entire databases within a user-friendly, tabbed interface.

Installation

Since PHPMyAdmin is written in PHP, you'll need access to a server (or virtual server installed on your operating system) to install this application. Fortunately, the majority of reputable web hosts make it easy to install PHPMyAdmin and other MySQL tools within the control panel using a simplified, one-click installation utility. In order to install PHPMyAdmin on your server, you'll need to have PHP 5.2.0 or newer installed (with the SPL extension support for JSON). Please note that the PHP zip extension is needed to upload zip files into databases within PHPMyAdmin.

Interface

The interface of PHPMyAdmin is split into six main tabs - Databases, SQL, Status, Processes, Privileges, and Export. In the panel on the left side of the main window you'll find a list of the MySQL databases available on the server. In the upper left corner of the window are five buttons that let you access your home directory, refresh PHPMyAdmin, access help, and perform other basic actions.

Pros

• Has won multiple awards as best PHP application

• Includes detailed documentation

• Several support methods available, including a help forum, IRC chat channel, tech support page, and bug tracking page

• Stable yet diverse source code that has been in development for more than 12 years

• Supports data imports from SQL and CSV formats

• Allows for the administration of MySQL databases on multiple servers

• Query by example (QBE) lets you create complex queries

• Supports data exportation to a variety of formats, including SQL, CSV, XML, ISO, PDF, OpenDocument Text/Spreadsheet, Microsoft Word, and more

• Automatically convert files in a MySQL database into other formats using predesignated functions

• Drag and drop functionality lets you easily move and manage databases and files

• Export PDF graphics that depict your current database layouts (useful for offline work and backups)

• Most popular MySQL database management tool available

• Search queries can be refined to include an entire database or a specific subset

• Wizard-style setup script facilitates quick and easy installation, while advanced users have the option of editing the config.inc.php file to create a custom installation.

Cons

• Requires a basic level of SQL and PHP knowledge

• Novice webmasters may experience a slight learning curve

Alternatives

Although PHPMyAdmin is considered to be a top-of-the-line MySQL database management utility, there are many alternatives available. The most notable of which include Adminer, Navicat, SQL Pro, SQLWave and SQLyog.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a convenient, well-organized, simplistic way to manage your MySQL databases, PHPMyAdmin is the number one solution, preferred by webmasters and developers for more than a decade. Anyone that uses MySQL databases to manage files should become familiar with this renowned server-based PHP utility.