Simple database front ends?

[mikekn]

Does anyone out there know of a simple, preferably web-based, database front end? We've got two choices on a project at work - either code up a custom interface for the client or find an off the shelf product that can do the job. Unfortunately most of what I've found are too feature rich and complex for what we need (simple form based data entry and a good query interface).

Comments

[sskipstress.livejournal.com]

What kind of database and what have you looked at so far?

[mikekn]

We plan on using MySQL or Postgres, though if it can support ODBC that would be best.

So far I've just done some web searching, looking at stuff like SQL Developer, Aqua Data Studio, TOra, etc. But they are all overkill for the needs.

[sskipstress.livejournal.com]

I've used phpMyAdmin and phpPgAdmin for basic admin access to databases. It isn't terribly slick and needs to be fairly well locked down at the webserver/network levels but they work pretty well for the basics.

[sskipstress.livejournal.com]

And if you're looking for something to quickly make web forms based on the database model and run simplish queries, Symfony does that. It is very strongly based on Pear's database classes, so it can be extended, but is a bit of a bitch to do so, but if you just need a simple web form interface for data entry into tables, it's pretty quick to set up.

[mikekn]

Thanks! I'll take a look at it.

[ubiq31.livejournal.com]

Depending on the goal and requirements, you can do some nice things with Ruby on Rails...

Of course, that's assuming a lot of things, but it's a good way to get exactly what you want, really quickly. Doesn't even require much Ruby knowledge, if you don't want to get into it :)

[mikekn]

Yep. If we go the custom route, we'll probably stick with PHP and AJAX since that is what we've worked with in the past.

[ubiq31.livejournal.com]

Ahh, excellent, yeah... Go with what you know. Didn't know if it might've been a new requirement with little in-house precedent or the like :)

I'm only really aware of custom front-ends or complete apps that come with their own back-end requirements...

Got me wondering, though...what about http://www.phpmyedit.org/ ?

[mikekn]

Looks nice, but what these folks need is something that hides all the database stuff.

[ubiq31.livejournal.com]

Ahh yeah...no idea if that can do that...it mentions incorporating CSS but I think it just changes the look and feel, not really hides anything.

That being said, I now have a new thing to use for my personal database interaction needs... I don't mind it looking kind of table-y and database-y :)