[Guide] How to access your MYSQL databases using HeidiSQL instead of phpMyAdmin

HeidiSQL is a free and open-sourced tool designed for web developers using the popular MySQL server, Microsoft SQL databases and PostgreSQL. It enables you to browse and edit data, create and edit tables, views, procedures, triggers and scheduled events. Also, you can export structure and data either to SQL file, clipboard or to other servers. ..

I find it easier to use this program instead of phpMyAdmin because of both the remote access and the availability of simply opening the program and having the setting saved. However, as a newb it took me a while to set the program to connect to the remote database. Since it is also remotely connected it seems that it may be safer than phpMyadmin. At any rate..

Download and install HeidiSQL
https://www.heidisql.com/download.php?download=installer

Download and install Plink
https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html
32 bit version https://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/latest/w32/plink.exe
64 bit version https://the.earth.li/~sgtatham/putty/latest/w64/plink.exe

Once downloaded and installed note the location the you installed or placed plink. I put it at C:\plink.exe.

Open HeidiSQL and click File then click Session Manager. Then click New.


For Network Type: Select "MySQL (SSH tunnel)"
For Hostname / IP: Enter "127.0.0.1"
User: Enter "root"
For password : Enter "Mysql Root Password"
Port: "3306"
If you do not know your mysql root password you can find it by entering this command.

Code (Text):

nano /root/.my.cnf

Next click on SSH Tunnel Tab near the settings tab.

For plink.exe location: "the location you place plink.exe earlier" Ex. C:\plink.exe
SSH host + port: "Enter you ip address and your port number"
Username: "root"
Password: "root password"
Local Port: "3307"

Click Save and at this point you should be able to connect to your mysql database. God bless you!