Query Facebook Data in MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench allows users to administer MySQL environments and gain better visibility into databases. When paired with CData Connect (on-premise or Connect Server), you get live access to Facebook data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for Facebook in Connect and work with live Facebook data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for Facebook Data

CData Connect uses a straightforward, point-and-click interface to connect to data sources and generate APIs.

1. Login to Connect and click Connections.
2. Select "Facebook" from Available Data Sources.
3. Facebook uses OAuth to authenticate. Click Connect to authenticate with Facebook.
4. Click Privileges -> Add and add the new user (or an existing user) with the appropriate permissions.

With the virtual database created, you are ready to connect to Facebook from MySQL Workbench.

Query Facebook from MySQL Workbench

The steps below outline connecting to the virtual Facebook database in Connect from MySQL Workbench and issuing basic queries to work with live Facebook data.

Connect to Facebook through Connect

1. In MySQL Workbench, click to add a new MySQL connection.
2. Name the connection (CData Connect).
3. Set the Hostname, Port, and Username parameters to connect to the SQL Gateway.
4. Click Store in Vault to set and store the password.
5. Click Test Connection to ensure the connection is configured properly and click OK.

Query Facebook Data

1. Open the connection you just created (CData Connect).
2. Click File -> New Query Tab.
3. Write a SQL query to retrieve Facebook data, like SELECT * FROM facebookdb.Posts;

With access to live Facebook data from MySQL Workbench, you can easily query and update Facebook, just like you would a MySQL database. Request a demo of the CData Connect and start working with Facebook just like a MySQL database today.