Most any modern website makes use of a backend database. Even if you use a content platform like WordPress, you are, in fact, implicitly using a MySQL database whether you realize it or not.
So, there will likely be times when you or your tech friend have a need to edit a value. In most cases, a web tool called phpMyAdmin does the trick. It is easy to access (from any browser) and has made strides over the years.
Although phpMyAdmin is pretty-darn awesome, it is still a browser application. For example, it refreshes pages a lot. And, the SQL editor is not advanced with Intellisense or color-coding as most editors nowadays are.
Here is an alternative: MySQL Workbench
It is a client application similar to something like MSSQL’s Management Studio. Except instead of being a Microsoft database, it uses MySQL. Read up more about it here: http://www.mysql.com/products/workbench/
If you have not already done so, give it a try. I was able to connect to my databases, iterate on queries, and backup the database very quickly.