# 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](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/reference/maxscale-maxctrl)                          | Command-line administrative utility.      |
| [MaxGUI](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/maxscale-management/deployment/maxscale-maxgui-guide) | Graphical administrative utility.         |
| [REST API](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/reference/maxscale-rest-api)                        | REST API for programmatic administration. |

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