mysqlx - why so many different executables ??

[bob lambert]

Confusion. Can someone explain or provide a reference that explains all the different ways to run mysql. For example:

mysqld
mysql
mysql-nt
winmysqladmin
mysqladmin

Why so many choices and when / how to decide which to use ?!!

and if I already have mysql running from an xampp install/run (apache + mysql + phpmyadmin), and I am managing stuff with phpmyadmin, can I still open a console window and work with that same instance ? I don't think I can create a 2nd instance and I don't know how to get into an existing instance of mysql (get to the mysql> prompt).

Thanks
Bob the newbie