mycli
Open-source terminal client for MySQL-compatible databases.
At a glance
- Editor scoreNot yet scored
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTerminal users querying MySQL-family databases
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Strong context-sensitive completion and SQL syntax highlighting
- Fuzzy history search, saved queries, logging, and flexible output formats
- Schema-aware LLM assistance with SSH and infrastructure integrations
Where it doesn't
- Terminal-only experience with no visual query builder
- Windows and WSL support are documented as partial
- Database support is limited to listed MySQL-family systems
Our verdict on mycli
mycli is an open-source command-line database client for users who work directly in a terminal and query MySQL-compatible servers. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with partial support documented for Windows and WSL. The supported database systems are MySQL, MariaDB, Percona, TiDB, and Apache Doris. As a desktop tool that runs locally through Python package managers, it suits developers, database administrators, and infrastructure-oriented teams who prefer keyboard-driven workflows over graphical interfaces.
Its strongest area is query authoring and recall. Context-sensitive completion covers SQL keywords, tables, views, columns, and enums, while syntax highlighting and multiline editing support longer statements. Fuzzy query-history search helps retrieve previous work, and favorite queries can be saved with parameters. Query and result logging adds an audit-friendly record of terminal activity, while CSV, TSV, table, and default output formats make results easier to redirect or share. System keyring password storage also keeps credential handling within the local environment.
mycli extends beyond basic terminal editing with optional LLM-assisted querying that uses schema context. SSH tunneling is supported, and integrations with Kubernetes, Vault, and Boundary fit infrastructure workflows. These capabilities make it a practical choice for users who want database access alongside operational tooling, rather than a separate graphical workspace. It is less suitable for teams that need visual query construction, broad database coverage beyond the listed MySQL-family systems, or a fully supported Windows and WSL experience. Choose mycli for a free, open-source terminal workflow; choose an alternative when visual design or wider platform coverage matters more.
mycli pricing
mycli fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Query history retention | Not verified |
| Scheduled queries | Not verified |
| Team query sharing | Not verified |
| SQL notebooks | Not verified |
| AI query assistance | Not verified |
| Deployment options | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: SSH, Kubernetes, Vault, Boundary |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mycli.net |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
mycli integrations
mycli lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- SSH
- Kubernetes
- Vault
- Boundary
Alternatives to mycli
- DBeaverA broad desktop database client with deep SQL tooling and a free open-source edition.5.0
- DataGripAdvanced SQL intelligence, broad database coverage, and strong developer tooling.4.8
- DbVisualizerA capable multi-database desktop client with broad connectivity and a useful free edition.5.8
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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