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MySQL Shell vs dblab: catalog facts
MySQL Shell	dblab
Free Free download from the MySQL Community downloads.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Command line
Three modes: SQL, JavaScript and Python Handles queries and server administration in one tool	Works entirely in the terminal Supports several major SQL databases
Command line only, with no graphical interface Only for MySQL servers	Text interface is less discoverable than a graphical client Maintained by a small team
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.