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I need a desktop database that will have a need for extensive 1-many, many-1, and many to many relationships.

I've built this kind of app with Microsoft Access, which I don't love, but does combine the database and a useful GUI.

Relational Database apps for Mac seem pretty thin. Filemaker's "relational" features are not much like anything I've used before.

Panorama is interesting, but also not really relational, no SQL, etc.

Is there a database system for Mac that functions similar to Microsoft Access?

UPDATE: While I am quite happy to use most of the tools suggested so far, I am looking for something which has an interface that non-technical types can use. It doesn't have to be as sophisticated as Access (which isn't all that sophisticated, I guess), but something more than a management tool. I should have been clearer; I thought the parallel to Access would speak for itself.

As far as I can tell, Filemaker is not an SQL database, though I guess it can speak to SQL databases in some way, so maybe I could kludge something together there. I'll try out the MySQL and SQLite tools as well, though they appear to be management tools...

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This is off topic as defined in the FAQ's, I suggest Stackoverflow or programmers as better options. – Graeme Hutchison Dec 17 '11 at 8:52
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I don't understand. the FAQ states that this forum is for asking questions about "Apple Hardware and Software." I am not asking a programming question, I am asking for a recommendation for a software package--specifically a database application-- for Mac. As I noted, I do not WANT to program, so I am looking for a software application first. Should there be no such alternative, it would make sense then to ask in a forum for programmers. Am I missing something? – Chris Dec 17 '11 at 9:01
right, I have misread this as programming from these, you say I need to create, and then say, I have built this before, then go on to mention that I've programmed with PHP & My SQL i'd rather not create a web app. So those seem to me like you wanted to make your own desktop app. Sorry. – Graeme Hutchison Dec 17 '11 at 9:09
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Access is much more than just a relational database with a GUI. To what extent do you need the forms/macros/etc functionality? i.e. Do you just need a relational database with a query-builder GUI, or do you also need to be able to make interactive forms that have some application logic built into them? – Jonathan VM Dec 18 '11 at 15:01

9 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

I found a very easy to use free tool - Valentina Studio http://www.valentina-db.com/en/valentina-studio-overview i am very pleased with this program.

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Welcome to the site. We are looking for more details than just a name in software recommendations. Can you please add some details about the software, what you use it for and why you recommend it. If you are in any way involved in providing this app, please also read the section about self-promotion in the FAQ. – patrix♦ Apr 7 at 15:08
up vote 0 down vote

I would suggest looking at the latest offering from QSA Toolworks - they've taken over Helix an incredible relational database that doesn't use any coding whatsoever. Helix (the product) comes in a number of variants Helix RADE (Rapid Application Development Environment), Helix Engine (to allow databases to be used by those who don't have the Helix RADE element), there's also Helix Server and Helix Client. Check out http://www.qsatoolworks.com. This product has been running on Mac since 1983!

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up vote 1 down vote

Bento is by the FileMaker team, but is super simple. It comes with a whole bunch of samples, does most of the heavy lifting for you, and has a solid database engine underneath.

It's available on the App Store, and for iPad too.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bento/id413293930?mt=12

http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/

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up vote 1 down vote

Why not MySQL with MySQL Workbench?

It's an amazing GUI, you can of course view and edit the databases contents, but also create databases graphically with all kinds of relationships. It's worth checking it out:

enter image description here

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However does not include form creation – Mark Feb 21 at 10:02
up vote 2 down vote

Just like Microsoft Office includes Microsoft Access, NeoOffice includes a database application as well as part of the office suite:

http://www.neooffice.org/neojava/en/index.php

Is this what you were looking for?

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up vote 11 down vote

Filemaker Pro will be your best bet overall. It is easier to use than Access, and will give you what you want and more. It's going to be a learning curve with anything if you're used to Access, so just jump in to one of them.

Filemaker Pro -

http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro/

If you're wanting to do something SQL related though, then I'd check out the following: Sequelpro; Querious; Navicat; or MySQL Workbench.

Sequelpro is best out of all of these though, in my opinion, and it's completely free. Bam!

http://www.sequelpro.com/

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Navicat is a manager of SQl databases like Sequelpro, Querious, or MySQL Workbench. – Mark Dec 17 '11 at 15:56
up vote 2 down vote

MySQL is a very popular open-source relational database. Sequel Pro (http://www.sequelpro.com) is an awesome, free Mac app for working with MySQL. I use it every day at work. I couldn't do my job without it!

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up vote 3 down vote

If you are looking for a fully relational database with a GUI front-end for Mac, I would suggest checking out 4th Dimension (4D) at www.4d.com

This database development platform has been around on the Mac since 1987. While you can do a lot of development without writing any code, you will soon want to dive in and start to learn to program in 4D. It is a PASCAL-like procedural language owing to it's original development in the 1980's.

It now supports the SQL language as well.

While the program is not for the faint of heart, I promise you will NOT outgrow it.

You will most likely be interested in the 4D Developer Standard.

http://www.4d.com/products/4dv12/4ddevstandard.html

It has everything you need to get started.

Hope that helps, Walt

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up vote 4 down vote

Check out SQLite and a tool like Base 2 from http://menial.co.uk/software/base/. I have not personally used it but it seems to be what you are looking for. The beauty of SQLite is the database is self contained.

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Or the problem with SQLlite is that it is not good at being shard - depending on your use. – Mark Dec 17 '11 at 15:57
yeah, it is only ever intended as a small database, many developers use it in iOS applications. – dbtedman Dec 22 '11 at 11:37

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