Tag: windows

Compare Two MySQL Databases Using MySQL Workbench – Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to compare two MySQL databases using MySQL Workbench. Identify schema differences, generate synchronization scripts, and keep your environments in sync.

When working on database-driven applications, it’s common to maintain multiple copies of a MySQL database — such as development, staging, and production. Over time, these environments may drift out of sync, making it essential to compare the database schemas to identify differences.

In this article, you’ll learn how to compare two MySQL databases using MySQL Workbench, and how to synchronize or export the differences between them.

Why Compare Databases?

Database comparison is especially useful for:

  • Identifying schema differences between environments
  • Detecting missing tables, columns, or indexes
  • Preparing migration scripts
  • Ensuring version control for database structures

Tools Required

To perform the comparison, you’ll need:

  • Connection credentials for both databases (source and target)
  • MySQL Workbench (preferably version 6.3 or later)

Steps to Compare Two MySQL Databases

Open MySQL Workbench

Launch the Workbench and make sure both databases (e.g., dev_db and prod_db) are accessible via configured connections.

Go to “Database” → “Compare Schemas”

From the top menu, go to:

Database → Compare Schemas

This opens a new window where you can choose the source and target schemas.

Select Source and Target Schemas

  • Source: Select the original or current version of your database (e.g., dev_db)
  • Target: Select the database you want to compare against (e.g., prod_db)
  • Click “Next” to proceed.

Start Comparison

MySQL Workbench will analyze both databases and show the results in terms of:

  • Tables only present in one database
  • Tables that exist in both but have structural differences
  • Differences in columns, indexes, constraints, routines, views, triggers, etc.

Review the Differences

You’ll be presented with a detailed comparison table showing:

  • Objects to add, modify, or drop
  • SQL scripts representing those changes

This is useful for developers and DBAs to audit what’s changed or to plan a synchronization.

Synchronize or Export Differences (Optional)

You can either:

  • Synchronize directly from source to target using MySQL Workbench
  • Or export the SQL script to apply changes manually after review

Warning: Always back up your databases before applying synchronization scripts to avoid accidental data loss.

Use Case Example

Let’s say you added a new table and modified a few column types in your development database. By using MySQL Workbench’s schema comparison, you can quickly identify those changes and generate a script to apply them to production without having to track each change manually.

Conclusion

MySQL Workbench provides a powerful built-in Schema Comparison Tool that helps you:

  • Identify differences between two MySQL databases
  • Review structural changes in tables, views, routines, and more
  • Generate SQL scripts to synchronize schemas safely

This feature is invaluable for teams managing multiple environments or collaborating on large database projects.

For more information about MySQL Workbench, visit http://www.mysql.com/products/workbench/
MySQL Workbench is freely available at http://www.mysql.com/downloads/workbench/.

Google Chrome Remote Desktop: Access your PC from anywhere

Learn how to securely access or allow remote access to your computer using Google Chrome Remote Desktop. Step-by-step guide for Windows, Mac, and Linux users.

Remote access tools are essential in today’s connected world — whether you’re offering tech support, working from home, or accessing files on the go. One of the most reliable and secure tools for this purpose is Chrome Remote Desktop by Google.

What is Chrome Remote Desktop?

Chrome Remote Desktop allows users to remotely access another computer through the Google Chrome browser or a Chromebook. It supports both short-term access (e.g., for remote support) and long-term remote access (for accessing files and apps on your own machine).

All connections are fully encrypted and secure.

How to Set It Up

Requirements:

  • A Google account
  • Google Chrome browser
  • Chrome Remote Desktop extension

Setup Remote Access:

  1. On your computer, open Chrome. (Login to chrome with your Gmail account)
  2. In the address bar, enter remotedesktop.google.com/access. It will open the remote desktop setup window.
  3. Under “Remote Access,” click Download Download page.
  4. Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.

You may have to enter your computer password to give Chrome Remote Desktop access. You may also be prompted to change security settings in Preferences.

Share Your Computer

Now, you can provide your computer full access to others. They’ll have full access to your apps, files, emails, documents, and history.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the address bar at the top, enter remotedesktop.google.com/support, and press Enter. or enter remotedesktop.google.com/access and select “Remote Support”,
  3. Under “Remote Support, “ click Download Download page.
  4. Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
  5. Under “Remote Support,” select Generate Code.
  6. Copy the code and send to the person you want to have access to your computer.
  7. When that person enters your access code on the site, you’ll see a dialog with their email address. Select Share to allow them full access to your computer.
  8. To end a sharing session, click Stop Sharing.

Tip: Once setup is complete, you don’t need to keep the Chrome browser open. Your PC just needs to be turned on and connected to the internet.

Features

  • Fully secure and encrypted connections
  • Cross-platform support: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Access from any device with a Chrome browser
  • Completely free to use

Important Notes

  • Your computer must remain powered on and awake to accept remote connections.
  • Chrome Remote Desktop is not tied to the Chrome browser once access is configured.
  • Make sure to never share your access code with untrusted users.

Privacy & Support

FAQs

Q: Is Chrome Remote Desktop safe?
Yes, it uses secure SSL connections and requires authentication and access codes.

Q: Can I use it on my mobile device?
Yes! Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app on Android or iOS to access your computer remotely.

Q: Do both devices need to be online?
Yes, both devices must be connected to the internet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, secure, and free way to access your devices or help someone with theirs, Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the best tools available today.