With the open-source MySQL database gaining ground in larger enterprises, companies are looking to give developers more sophisticated tools.
Quest Software on May 8 announced that is has made Toad for MySQL 2.0, a feature-filled, full-production database development tool kit, available for free download.
“This gives MySQL developers and administrators better manageability and more flexibility, resulting in better performing and more scalable MySQL databases,” said Gary Goodwin, Toad product manager for Quest, in Aliso Viejo, Calif.
New features in Toad for MySQL 2.0 include Version Control Integration, which allows users to quickly check in and check out code from within the editor, reducing the risk of errors, and Macro Record and Playback, which records and plays back keyboard commands, enhancing usability and reducing manual effort.
In addition, Database Browser reorganizes and manages objects and object types, Code Snippet Editor enables the user to create and alter code snippets to expand and collapse code blocks—allowing for faster navigation—and Security Manager offers the ability to permit or restrict user access to specific features of Toad.
“[Toad for MySQL] is a serious tool for serious database development and administration,” said Boyd E. Hemphill, a MySQL consultant for Live Oak Interactive, in Round Rock, Texas. “I rely on it to craft very difficult SQL statements in an efficient manner, test migration scripts and quickly look up information about large schemas.”
In late 2005, Oracle released Oracle SQL Developer, which is similar to Toad but aimed at proprietary enterprise SQL databases. In March, the Redwood Shores, Calif., company released a freely downloadable version of the tool kit. Oracle SQL Developer was downloaded 76,000 times through March and since has been averaging about 10,000 downloads per week, said company spokesperson Eloy Ontiveros.