Toad is a tool for developers and DBAs who use MySQL database. This Open Source tool from Quest Software is a utility tool for database developers providing them with productivity features and functionalities for rapidly creating and executing queries, automating database object management, generating reports, developing SQL code and administering the server. The tool provides all these features to developers through an intuitive GUI to MySQL and hence limiting the use of console for development.

Installation and configuration
Toad for MySQL can be downloaded from the site or from this month's DVD. It requires Microsoft.NET Framework installed as a pre-requisite, otherwise while installing the setup it prompts for that to be installed. Toad can be installed on the client machines as well as on the server. Once installed, a configuration wizard appears, with which the look of interface can be set as a tabbed or an MDI window, grid style, DB browser style, internal or external help window, etc. Using Connection Manager we can connect to the MySQL database. As long as the MySQL instance is configured properly and users have their permissions, connecting to database is easy. Toad provides several productivity features for almost every database function. We created a simple database to explore all features of Toad.

DB browsing and editing
Toad's Database Browser lets you view, create, modify, and manage database objects. From the Database tab of the browser we can create, alter and drop databases. Creating a database and then its tables is just a walk through. While creating tables is just a form-based process through which we can add columns, constraints and also view the tables' SQL script code. Through this Database Browser window other database objects like views, procedures, functions, triggers, users, etc can also be viewed, created, modified and managed. To create views or procedures use the SQL Editor window. This editor allows creating, executing, modifying and saving queries, viewing and editing data, and processing DDL commands from an easy-to-use interface. The auto-completion of SQL statements and highlighting of syntaxes makes it convenient and faster to develop SQL queries, triggers and procedures. In the Editor window, the output for a statement gets displayed in a multi-tabbed Script Results window, with one grid per SELECT statement. Also while in editor window if you are not able to locate the cursor, just press the Escape key, a beacon will highlight the cursor.

SQL Modeler
This is another productive feature of Toad for MySQL. This modeler can be used to quickly create the framework of an SQL query using a graphical interface. Using it, you can select tables and views, join or select columns, and add conditions to the statement. You can also execute and send the statement to the Editor, save the model to a file, and print the model.