Navicat MySQL Editor's Review

Many people don't realise that the word "computer" originally referred to a human who would type in data and make calculations. The electronic machines that now bear that name were developed to not only work faster but to eliminate human error. That's exactly what Navicat's MySQL is designed to do.

While some website techies prefer working from the command line, with complicated databases and queries this can easily become frustrating as a tiny error in a lengthy command can mean getting the wrong result or no result at all. Navicat is a Graphical User Interface that effectively makes database management a team effort: you decide what you need to do and the computer worries about actually doing it.

The software is capable of handling most database tasks, including backups, importing and exporting data in a range of formats and even transferring an entire database from one server to another. As well as direct access to a database, you can establish an SSL tunnel if the server is located in a remote location and you require encryption for the data.

The conversion of databases from one format to another is arguably the most impressive part of the software. With such tools you get the worst of both worlds: close enough to be frustrating but with enough errors or failures to make the whole effort a waste of time. MySQL, however, appears to be pretty much flawless.

Although this is trial software, it helpfully gives you 30 days to use the software without any restrictions, giving you a great chance to give it a proper going over and see if it meets your needs.

Pro's: Simple but powerful tool that makes life easier.

Con's: Requires some understanding on connecting to servers and querying databases, though that should be a given for most users.

Conclusions: Well worth trying out.