Since version 5.2.6 MySQL Workbench has included functionality for managing server instances. A server instance is created to provide a way of connecting to a server to be managed. The first step then is to create a server instance if none exists, or to work with an existing server instance.
MySQL Workbench also provides functionality to administer and configure a server using these server instances. Thus, the Server Administrator functionality can be broadly grouped into two main areas:
Creating and managing server instances
Administration and configuration functions using a server instance
In the Workspace section of the Home screen is an area for Server Administration tasks. This section of the Workspace has the following action items:
Server Administration
Server Administration (icon)
New Server Instance
Manage Data Import/Export
Manage Security
Manage Server Instances
Each of these action items is described in the following sections.