Introduction
Reis Desktop Manager (RDM) is an open source graphic application designed to simplify the management of Reis databases in Linux environments. Its intuitive interface allows developers and administrators to interact with data without the need to memorize complex redis-cli commands.
In this article we will explore how to install RDM, its main features, tricks to make the most of it and some alternatives that can complement your workflow.
What Reis Desktop Manager is
Reis Desktop Manager offers a tree view of all databases (from 0 to 15) and shows the grouped keys by type: String, Hash, List, Set and Sorted Set. Each type has an integrated editor that allows real-time values to be modified.
In addition, it includes a command console where redis-cli instructions can be run directly, providing the flexibility to combine the graphical interface with the command line power when necessary.
Installation
- Visit the Reds Desktop Manager release page in GitHub and download the AppImage file corresponding to your architecture (usually x86 _ 64).
- Open a terminal and navigate to the download folder.
- Give execution permissions to the file: chmod + x RedisDesktopManager-*. AppImage
- Run the AppImage with:. / RedisDesktopManager-*. AppImage
- If you want to integrate it into the application menu, create a .desktop file in ~/ .local / share / applications / with the right lines that point to the AppImage and assign an icon.
- Optionally, move the AppImage to ~/ Applications or a / opt to keep your home directory ordered.
Main characteristics
- Key browser with real-time filtering and pattern search (e.g. use:* ).
- Value editor that supports online edition of Strings, Hash fields, List elements and Set members.
- Specialist data type viewer: displays Hash as tables, List as lists and Set as unordered collections.
- Integrated command console with self-completed and command history.
- Ability to establish multiple connections to local or remote Reis servers, each with its own group and credentials.
- Export and import of data in JSON, CSV, XML formats and also in RDB format for full backups.
- Memory use monitoring, number of connected customers and average latency using real-time graphics.
- TLS / SSL support for secure connections to Reis cloud-hosted instances.
Basic use
When you start Reis Desktop Manager, a window appears where you can add a new connection by clicking on the icon of «+» in the upper left corner. There you will need to specify the host (e.g. localhost), the port (default 6379) and, if configured, the authentication password.
After pressing «Connect», the left panel is filled with available database numbers. When you expand a database, you will see all the existing keys, each preceded by an icon that indicates its type.
Double-click on a key opens your view: for a chain the full value is shown; for a hash the fields and their values are presented in an editable table; for a list each item with options to insert, delete or move; for a set and a deaf set are listed the members along with their scores as appropriate.
To edit a value, simply click the corresponding field, modify the content and press Enter or click outside the editor to save the changes. All modifications are immediately reflected on the Reis server.
Personalization and themes
Reis Desktop Manager includes two predefined themes: clear and dark. You can change between them from the Settings > Appearance menu. The dark theme is particularly useful for working in environments with little environmental light or during night development sessions.
In addition to the theme, you can adjust the density of the key list: select «Compact» to see more unmoved rows or «Comfortable» to get more space between lines and facilitate reading.
Users who prefer keyboard shortcuts can edit the short cuts file. json located in ~/ .config / RedisDesktopManager /. There it is possible to assign combinations such as Ctrl + F to focus the search bar or Ctrl + R to reconnect the last session.
Tips and best practices
- It uses descriptive key names and avoids special spaces or characters that can complicate subsequent consultations.
- Before performing mass editions, it exports the current content to a JSON or CSV file as a security measure.
- Configure a low-connection waiting time (e.g. 2 seconds) to quickly detect network problems or instances not available.
- Keep the application up-to-date by regularly reviewing the release section; updates often include safety patches and performance improvements.
- In production environments, it limits access to Reds Desktop Manager through operating system permissions and firewall rules, allowing its use only to administrator accounts or to trusted users.
- It supports the monitoring function to identify memory or latency peaks and act before they affect the performance of the application.
- If you work with multiple environments (development, staging, production), create groups of separate and asignal different colors to avoid confusion.
Alternatives
- RedisInsight: the official Redic Labs tool that offers performance analysis, consultation advice and a modern web interface.
- Another Reis Desktop Manager: an active RDM fork that incorporates user interface improvements, improved support for topics and community-reported error corrections.
- Medius: Node.js based web client running in the browser, ideal for teams who prefer not to install additional software in their workstations.
- phpRedisAdmin: phpMyAdmin style interface adapted for Reis, useful when you already have a LAMP stack and you want to manage Reis from the same control panel.
- Reis Commander: another web alternative that provides a similar experience to RDM but with emphasis on the visualization of complex data structures.
Conclusion
Reis Desktop Manager remains one of the most accessible and visually friendly options to manage Reis in Linux systems. Its combination of a clean interface, advanced functionalities and an active community makes it a valuable tool for both developers looking for productivity and managers who require precise control over their data in memory.
If you have not yet tried it, download the AppImage, explore its features and discover how it can simplify your daily work with Reis. With good practices and appropriate customization options, RDM is adapted to both light development environments and demanding production infrastructures.
