Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQLPro for MySQL, MySQL, and MariaDB.
Product
What is SQLPro for MySQL?
SQLPro for MySQL is a native database client for macOS and iOS. It lets you connect to, query, and manage MySQL and MariaDB databases from a single fast app - without a Java runtime or Electron.
Which MySQL versions are supported?
SQLPro for MySQL supports MySQL 5.0 and above, including MySQL 8.x, as well as MariaDB, Amazon RDS and Aurora, Azure Database for MySQL, and Google Cloud SQL for MySQL.
Does SQLPro for MySQL support MariaDB?
Yes. MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL, and SQLPro for MySQL connects to and manages MariaDB servers the same way it does MySQL.
Which platforms does SQLPro for MySQL run on?
SQLPro for MySQL is available on macOS and on iOS/iPadOS. Both are native apps.
Is SQLPro for MySQL a native app?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL is built with Swift and Objective-C. It is not a Java or Electron app, so it launches instantly and uses minimal system resources.
Does SQLPro for MySQL require Java?
No. SQLPro for MySQL is 100% native, built with Swift and Objective-C. It does not require Java, the JVM, or Electron to run.
Does SQLPro for MySQL support SSH tunneling?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL supports SSH tunneling with password and key-based authentication, so you can securely connect to remote MySQL servers behind a firewall.
Can I connect to Amazon RDS or Aurora?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL connects to MySQL-compatible databases on Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora, as well as MySQL running on EC2.
Does SQLPro for MySQL support dark mode?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL supports dark mode on macOS and iOS and follows your system appearance settings.
Can I import and export data?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL can import data from CSV, JSON, and SQL files, and export query results and tables to CSV, JSON, XML, and SQL formats.
Does SQLPro for MySQL support autocomplete?
Yes. The query editor includes syntax highlighting and autocomplete for table names, column names, and SQL keywords.
Can I run multiple queries at once?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL supports multiple result sets, so you can execute several queries and see all results displayed simultaneously.
Can I edit table data directly?
Yes. You can edit cell values inline in the result grid and commit the changes back to the database, and you can create, alter, and drop tables through a visual interface.
Pricing
How much does SQLPro for MySQL cost?
SQLPro for MySQL is $5.99/month, $69.99/year, or $129.99 for a one-time lifetime license on macOS. See current pricing at mysqlui.com/store.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL offers a free trial so you can evaluate the app before purchasing. Download it from mysqlui.com/download.
Is there a lifetime license option?
Yes. SQLPro for MySQL offers a one-time lifetime license for macOS at $129.99, which includes all future updates at no additional cost.
Does the iOS app require a separate purchase?
No. Monthly and yearly subscriptions include SQLPro for MySQL on both macOS and iOS. You do not need to pay separately for the iOS app.
Is SQLPro for MySQL free for students?
Yes. Students with a valid student email address can request a free one-year license at sqlprostudio.com/edu/.
MySQL
What is the difference between MySQL and MariaDB?
MariaDB is a community-developed fork of MySQL created after Oracle acquired MySQL. It is designed as a drop-in replacement and shares most of MySQL's syntax and features. SQLPro for MySQL works with both.
What is a stored procedure in MySQL?
A stored procedure is a set of SQL statements stored in the database that can be called by name. It can accept parameters and perform data modifications. Stored procedures run on the server, reducing network round trips.
What is a foreign key in MySQL?
A foreign key is a column (or set of columns) that references the primary key of another table, enforcing referential integrity. In MySQL, foreign keys require the InnoDB storage engine.
What is an index in MySQL?
An index is a data structure that speeds up row lookups. MySQL supports primary keys, unique indexes, regular (non-unique) indexes, and full-text indexes. Good indexing is critical for query performance.
What is the difference between InnoDB and MyISAM?
InnoDB and MyISAM are MySQL storage engines. InnoDB supports transactions, row-level locking, and foreign keys, and is the modern default. MyISAM is older, does not support transactions or foreign keys, and uses table-level locking.
How do I connect to a cloud MySQL database on Mac?
Enter the host, port, username, and password for your cloud MySQL instance (such as Amazon RDS or Azure Database for MySQL). If the database is only reachable through a bastion host, enable SSH tunneling in the connection settings.
Comparisons
How does SQLPro for MySQL compare to MySQL Workbench?
MySQL Workbench is Oracle's free, cross-platform tool with a non-native macOS interface. SQLPro for MySQL is a native Mac app that launches faster and uses less memory, with a simpler interface focused on everyday querying and editing. See the full comparison at mysqlui.com/compare/mysql-workbench.
Is SQLPro for MySQL a good Sequel Pro alternative?
Yes. Sequel Pro has been unmaintained since 2019 and does not fully support current macOS or MySQL 8 authentication. SQLPro for MySQL is actively developed, native, and supports modern MySQL. See the full comparison at mysqlui.com/compare/sequel-pro.
How does SQLPro for MySQL compare to TablePlus?
TablePlus is a native multi-database client with a free tier limited by tab and connection count. SQLPro for MySQL is focused specifically on MySQL and MariaDB. See the full comparison at mysqlui.com/compare/tableplus.
How does SQLPro for MySQL compare to DBeaver?
DBeaver is a free, Java-based universal database tool that supports many engines. SQLPro for MySQL is a native, lightweight client focused on MySQL with faster startup and lower memory usage. See the full comparison at mysqlui.com/compare/dbeaver.