MySQL Workbench
The official graphical tool for MySQL, rebuilt in 2026 as MySQL Workbench 26 with a script editor, SQL notebooks, visual EXPLAIN, performance reports and administration screens. Use it next to the mysql command-line client while you learn.
Tool
Web Development
Oracle
All
Free
What it is
MySQL Workbench is Oracle's official GUI for developing against and administering MySQL. In September 2026 Oracle introduced MySQL Workbench 26, a new generation of the tool built on MySQL Shell with a modern desktop interface. Oracle states that it obsoletes MySQL Workbench 8.0, which has reached end of life, and replaces MySQL Shell for VS Code, which has been discontinued (source: Oracle MySQL blog, "Introducing MySQL Workbench 26", as of 2026-09).
Features highlighted for the new version include a script editor, SQL notebooks that mix SQL with JavaScript or TypeScript, an updated visual EXPLAIN, performance reports, a client connection browser and a migration assistant. Workbench 26.7 supports MySQL 8.4 LTS and newer, including 9.7 LTS and 26.7 (source: Oracle MySQL blog, as of 2026-09).
Is it worth your time?
Yes, if you are learning MySQL. It is free, official and aimed squarely at MySQL, and the visual EXPLAIN and performance reports help when you start tuning queries. Because the new version is recent, many tutorials and videos still show Workbench 8.0 screens: the concepts carry over, but menus and layouts differ.
Free vs paid
The Community edition is free. Oracle's commercial MySQL editions include additional tooling, which you do not need to learn.
How to use it well
- Create a connection to your local server and keep your practice scripts in files you open in the editor.
- Use the visual EXPLAIN on slow queries, then compare it with the text output of EXPLAIN ANALYZE in the mysql client.
- Use SQL notebooks to keep notes and queries together while you study.
- Keep learning the mysql command-line client alongside it.
Watch out for
Workbench 8.0 is end of life and receives no fixes; install the current version from Oracle's download page. If you connect to an older MySQL server, check the supported server versions first.
Alternatives
DBeaver connects to MySQL and other databases from one app, and dbForge, DataGrip and TablePlus are commercial options.
Common questions
Does it work with MariaDB? Workbench targets MySQL; for MariaDB, a general client such as DBeaver is usually a better fit.
Is the old modelling feature still there? Check the current manual; features changed with the rebuild, and this entry lists only what Oracle announced.
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