MySQLink — Browse, Edit & Visualize MySQL/MariaDB in VS Code

MySQLink lets you browse, edit, and visualize MySQL/MariaDB databases directly inside VS Code. It includes a connection & table sidebar, a table view for inline row editing, and a diagram view to understand schema relationships. Passwords are stored securely via VS Code Secret Storage.

Highlights

• Manage multiple database connections from a dedicated sidebar
• Read/write rows from a grid-style table view
• Visualize schemas (PKs, indexes, FKs) with an ER diagram
• Primary keys auto-detected via SHOW KEYS; date/time values safely normalized
• Choose your driver: mysql2 (default) or mariadb

Screenshots

A quick look at the core views.

Add and test database connections.

Inspect and edit rows inline; run custom SELECT queries.

Browse databases, tables, and columns, with row counts when available.

Features

• Sidebar
  • Create, edit, and delete connections; optionally group them in directories
  • List tables with row counts (via information_schema, falling back to COUNT(*) when needed)
  • Check connection status (passwords are stored in VS Code Secret Storage)
• Table View
  • Display the first page of data (LIMIT only; no OFFSET)
  • Insert, update, and delete rows inline
  • Run custom SELECT queries using inferred column metadata
• Diagram View
  • Build an ER diagram from information_schema (schema, PKs, indexes, FKs)
  • If FKs are not explicitly defined, infer relationships heuristically from *_id columns
• Driver Switching
  • Choose mysql2 (default) or mariadb

Installation

• VS Code Marketplace: Search for "MySQLink" by publisher "iwasaki" and click Install.
• From a VSIX: Run code --install-extension mysqlink-<version>.vsix.

Commands

• MySQLink: Add Database (mysqlink.addConnection) — Add a new connection
• MySQLink: Refresh Connections (mysqlink.refreshConnections) — Refresh connections and caches
• MySQLink: Create Directory (mysqlink.createDirectory) — Create a directory to group connections

Settings

• mysqlink.dbDriver: mysql2 | mariadb (default: mysql2)

Requirements & Permissions

• Network access to a MySQL or MariaDB instance (local or remote)
• Minimum privileges:
  • Read-only: SELECT, SHOW DATABASES/SHOW TABLES, SHOW KEYS, read access to information_schema
  • Read/write: add INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

Grant the least privileges needed for your environment.

Security & Data Storage

• Passwords are stored in VS Code SecretStorage.
• Non-secret connection metadata (id, name, host, port, database, user) is stored in the extension globalState.
• Database contents are not transmitted for any purpose other than providing the extension’s features (communication is between your DB and VS Code).

Known Limitations

• Only the first page of table data is fetched (LIMIT only; OFFSET not applied)
• ER diagram FK inference from *_id columns may differ from your actual schema when explicit FKs are missing
• Row counts prefer information_schema; if unavailable, a fallback COUNT(*) may be slower on very large tables

Troubleshooting

• Cannot connect / timeouts: Verify host, port, database, user, firewall rules, and VPN/proxy settings.
• Authentication fails: Re-enter and update the password (Secret Storage) and check server auth modes/compatibility.
• Row counts missing/slow: Confirm information_schema access or consider the cost of COUNT(*).
• ER diagram looks off: Ensure explicit foreign keys exist or review naming conventions beyond *_id.

FAQ

Which driver is used?
mysql2 by default; you can switch to mariadb in settings.

Can I run arbitrary SQL?
The table view is designed for SELECT queries. Use the inline editor for data changes.

Is it safe to use alongside other tools?
Yes. The extension runs inside VS Code and stores secrets in Secret Storage. Follow your organization’s policies for permissions and connections.