Query Zendesk 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 Zendesk data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for Zendesk in Connect and work with live Zendesk data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for Zendesk 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 "Zendesk" from Available Data Sources.
3. Enter the necessary authentication properties to connect to Zendesk.

   Connecting to Zendesk

   To connect, set the URL and provide authentication. The URL is your Zendesk Support URL: https://{subdomain}.zendesk.com.

   Authenticating to Zendesk

   You can authenticate using the Basic or OAuth methods.

   Using Basic Authentication

   To use Basic authentication, specify your email address and password or your email address and an API token. Set User to your email address and follow the steps below to provide the Password or ApiToken.

   • Enable password access in the Zendesk Support admin interface at Admin > Channels > API.
   • Manage API tokens in the Zendesk Support Admin interface at Admin > Channels > API. More than one token can be active at the same time. Deleting a token deactivates it permanently.

   Using OAuth Authentication

   See the Getting Started guide in the CData driver documentation for an authentication guide.

4. Click Save Changes
5. 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 Zendesk from MySQL Workbench.

Query Zendesk from MySQL Workbench

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

Connect to Zendesk 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 Zendesk Data

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

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