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Sequel Pro

Sequel Pro Sequel Pro is a database client built only for macOS, designed with MySQL and MariaDB in mind. For many developers on Mac it became the default tool because it felt fast, lightweight, and looked like a proper native app rather than a generic cross-platform build. Even though the pace of development slowed, it’s still widely used where teams need a no-nonsense way to connect to MySQL databases on macOS. Core Characteristics

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Sequel Pro: Native macOS Tool for Working with MySQL

Sequel Pro is a database client built only for macOS, designed with MySQL and MariaDB in mind. For many developers on Mac it became the default tool because it felt fast, lightweight, and looked like a proper native app rather than a generic cross-platform build. Even though the pace of development slowed, it’s still widely used where teams need a no-nonsense way to connect to MySQL databases on macOS.

Core Characteristics

Aspect	Details
Platform	macOS
Database support	MySQL, MariaDB
Interface	Native Cocoa application, table-focused UI
Features	Query editor, table browsing, data editing, import/export
Connectivity	Local connections, TCP/IP, socket files, SSH tunneling
Deployment	Standard app bundle for macOS, drag-and-drop install
License	MIT, open source
Audience	Developers and admins working on Mac in MySQL/MariaDB environments

How It’s Used in Practice

For years Sequel Pro was the first thing many Mac developers opened when working with MySQL. It’s used during debugging sessions to peek into tables, verify queries, or edit rows quickly. Administrators rely on it to manage schemas remotely over SSH without having to touch the command line. Small teams often keep shared connection presets inside Sequel Pro so switching between dev, staging, and production feels seamless.

Deployment Notes

– Ships as a simple .app bundle; installation is drag-and-drop.
– Saves connection details for later use, including SSH tunnel settings.
– No support for Windows or Linux clients, which limits adoption outside macOS shops.

Typical Scenarios

– A web developer checks session tables during live debugging.
– An admin connects to a production server over SSH to run a quick query.
– A small team uses Sequel Pro daily for data edits across multiple environments.

Limitations

Sequel Pro focuses only on MySQL and MariaDB, so it doesn’t help if PostgreSQL or other databases are in the mix. Support has lagged behind newer macOS releases and some MySQL builds, which makes it less reliable for long-term planning. For broader database estates, tools like TablePlus or DBeaver are more practical.

Quick Comparison

Tool	Distinctive Strength	Best Fit
Sequel Pro	Native Mac client, very lightweight	Developers/Admins tied to macOS + MySQL
TablePlus	Modern UI, multi-DB support	Mixed teams needing more than MySQL
DBeaver	Full IDE, wide driver coverage	Enterprises with complex environments
HeidiSQL	Fast Windows client	Windows-centric DB work

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