> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/maxscale-management/understanding-maxscales-administrative-interfaces.md).

# Understanding MaxScale's Administrative Interfaces

## Overview

MariaDB MaxScale provides various administrative interfaces can be used to perform the following tasks:

* Setting a server to maintenance mode.
* Reconfiguring monitors.
* Reconfiguring routers.
* And much more.

## Tools Supported by MaxScale

MaxScale supports different administrative interfaces for different kinds of environments and preferences:

| Interface                                                                        | Description                               |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| [MaxCtrl](/docs/maxscale/reference/maxscale-maxctrl.md)                          | Command-line administrative utility.      |
| [MaxGUI](/docs/maxscale/maxscale-management/deployment/maxscale-maxgui-guide.md) | Graphical administrative utility.         |
| [REST API](/docs/maxscale/reference/maxscale-rest-api.md)                        | REST API for programmatic administration. |

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