I work on a remote server and routinely modify the database directly using Sequel Pro. Recently the url changed and I needed to modify all of the Google API keys for the 20 maps. I could go to each page and change it there but that would take about 30 minuets. Manipulating the db directly it to 45 seconds.

You can also export your tables to excel if you need to.

However, as an example with the Document Library, C5 registers a lot of meta data to attributes added through the Dashboard - making the idea of simply updating a database inconsequential. The lack of this feature - in the Document Library at least - makes replicating a development with many attributes tedious. The obvious answer would be to build a C5 block that would do it for you. So, I guess it depends on what you're doing.