Is MySqlConnector faster than MySql.Data?

Yes, benchmarks show MySqlConnector consistently outperforms MySql.Data in data retrieval and memory usage, making it ideal for high-performance .NET applications. It's optimized for modern .NET runtimes and async operations.

How to migrate from MySql.Data to MySqlConnector?

Replace the NuGet package reference, update connection strings and namespace imports. Test thoroughly for API differences, as MySqlConnector doesn't replicate all MySql.Data methods, which may require code changes.

Does MySqlConnector work with Entity Framework Core?

Yes, but indirectly through Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql. MySqlConnector is the ADO.NET driver, so you need Pomelo as the EF Core provider, adding an extra layer compared to MySql.Data's direct support.

MySqlConnector vs Pomelo: which one should I use?

MySqlConnector is the underlying ADO.NET driver for raw database access or with ORMs like Dapper. Pomelo is the Entity Framework Core provider built on MySqlConnector. Use MySqlConnector for ADO.NET, Pomelo for EF Core.

Is MySqlConnector stable for production use?

Yes, it's used by companies like Devolutions and Faithlife in production, with regular updates. However, as an open-source project, ensure testing for your specific scenarios, as it lacks Oracle's official support guarantees.

How to handle async database calls with MySqlConnector?

Use the async methods like ExecuteReaderAsync or DbBatch for batch operations. MySqlConnector implements true async I/O, avoiding thread pool blocking, which is key for scalable .NET Core apps.

Open-Awesome

MySqlConnector

MITC#2.6.1

A high-performance, fully managed ADO.NET data provider for MySQL and MariaDB, compatible with modern .NET.

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1.5k stars353 forks0 contributors

What is MySqlConnector?

MySqlConnector is an ADO.NET data provider for MySQL and MariaDB servers, allowing .NET applications to interact with these databases through standard ADO.NET interfaces. It solves the need for a high-performance, fully managed, and modern alternative to Oracle's official MySQL Connector/NET, offering better compatibility, bug fixes, and async support.

Target Audience

.NET developers building applications that require database connectivity to MySQL or MariaDB, especially those using ORMs like Dapper, Entity Framework (via Pomelo), NHibernate, or other ADO.NET-based data access layers.

Value Proposition

Developers choose MySqlConnector for its superior performance over Connector/NET, broader server compatibility (including MariaDB), MIT licensing for commercial use, and implementation of the latest ADO.NET async APIs without the bugs and limitations of the official Oracle driver.

Overview

MySQL Connector for .NET

Use Cases

Best For

Building high-performance .NET applications that query MySQL or MariaDB databases
Migrating from MySQL Connector/NET to a more reliable and faster alternative
Developing async-first .NET Core or .NET 5+ applications with database operations
Using MariaDB with .NET where Connector/NET lacks official support
Integrating with popular .NET ORMs like Dapper, NHibernate, or ServiceStack.OrmLite
Commercial software projects requiring an MIT-licensed MySQL driver without Oracle licensing fees

Not Ideal For

Enterprise environments requiring official Oracle support contracts and SLA-backed updates
Legacy .NET applications heavily dependent on MySql.Data-specific APIs or undocumented behaviors
Projects needing direct integration with Oracle's MySQL Enterprise Edition features or proprietary tools

Pros & Cons

Pros

Benchmark-Leading Performance

Outperforms MySql.Data in benchmarks with optimized data handling, reducing latency and increasing throughput for .NET applications.

Cross-Server Compatibility

Supports MySQL 5.5+ and MariaDB 10.x+, providing a unified solution where MySql.Data only works with MySQL Server.

Modern Async Ecosystem

Implements true async/await patterns and latest ADO.NET APIs like DbBatch and DbDataSource, ensuring scalability in .NET 6+ applications.

MIT Licensing Advantage

MIT-licensed allows free distribution in commercial software without Oracle licensing fees, making it cost-effective for proprietary projects.

Cons

API Divergence from MySql.Data

Does not clone the full MySql.Data API, which can cause breaking changes and require code adjustments during migration, as admitted in the README.

Limited Vendor Support

Lacks official Oracle support, relying on community maintenance, which may lead to slower bug fixes or updates for critical issues.

Dependency on Pomelo for EF Core

Requires additional setup with Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql for Entity Framework Core support, adding complexity compared to native MySql.Data integrations.

Open Source Alternative To

MySqlConnector is an open-source alternative to the following products:

MySQL Connector/NET (MySql.Data)

MySQL Connector/NET (MySql.Data) is a fully managed ADO.NET driver for connecting .NET applications to MySQL databases.

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