phpMyAdmin is a web-based graphical interface for managing and administering MySQL or MariaDB databases. It allows users to perform a wide range of database management tasks using a web browser, without requiring extensive knowledge of command-line database administration.

Key features and functions of phpMyAdmin include:

1. Database Management: phpMyAdmin provides a user-friendly interface to manage databases, tables, and related database objects. Users can create, modify, and delete databases, tables, columns, indexes, and constraints.

2. Data Manipulation: It allows users to insert, update, and delete data records in database tables. It provides a visual interface for performing these operations, making it easy to manage and manipulate data.

3. SQL Query Execution: It enables users to run SQL queries directly against the database. Users can execute custom SQL statements to perform complex database operations, such as data retrieval, filtering, sorting, and joining tables.

4. Import and Export: It supports importing and exporting database data in various formats, including SQL, CSV, Excel, and more. Users can import data from external sources into the database or export data for backup purposes or data exchange.

5. User Management: It allows users to manage database users and their privileges. Users can create, edit, and delete database users, assign different levels of permissions, and control access to databases and tables.

6. Database Structure Visualization: It provides visual representations of the database structure, including tables, relationships, and indexes. This helps users understand the database schema and relationships between tables.

7. Database Maintenance: It offers tools for database maintenance tasks, such as optimizing database tables, repairing corrupted tables, and analyzing table performance.

8. Server Administration: It provides options for server-level administration tasks, such as configuring server settings, managing server variables, and monitoring server status.

phpMyAdmin is widely used by web developers, database administrators, and website owners to manage their MySQL or MariaDB databases. It simplifies database administration tasks and offers a convenient and accessible way to interact with databases through a web-based interface.