This post was originally published in May 2024 and was updated in April 2025.
MySQL and MariaDB are two major open source database management systems that share a common codebase and history. MariaDB started as a MySQL fork in 2009 to provide an alternate database version following Oracle’s acquisition of MySQL.
While MariaDB has many features and has grown in popularity among users seeking a more open and community-driven development model, there are compelling reasons for businesses and individuals to consider migrating to MySQL. This move could be motivated by the desire for enhanced performance under certain workloads or configurations, greater compatibility with other technologies, or a strategic alignment with software that offers a closer adherence to original MySQL principles.
This blog post will provide a high-level overview of the MariaDB to MySQL migration process, so whether you’re considering migration for technical reasons or simply seeking the advantages of MySQL, this is a good place to start. Additionally, this transition presents a timely opportunity to consider Percona Server for MySQL, an enterprise-grade open source alternative built on MySQL Community. It mirrors the reliability of MySQL while maintaining alignment with the original vision of MySQL, similar to early versions of MariaDB.
At the end of this blog, we will also provide a technical, step-by-step DIY migration guide for those who want to migrate from MariaDB to Percona Server for MySQL.
Why migrate from MariaDB to MySQL?
MariaDB has proven to be a reliable database solution, but there are compelling arguments in favor of moving to MySQL. First and foremost, MySQL is constantly updated with critical new features such as increased query optimization, advanced security features, and improved support for future technologies. MySQL has also made considerable investments in performance enhancements, which may be of benefit in cases such as high-concurrency workloads or specialized query patterns. MySQL is an appealing choice for businesses seeking a reliable and future-proof database solution because of its widespread use in various industries and its straightforward integration with a wide variety of third-party tools, apps, and frameworks.
In addition, some recent developments suggest that it could be beneficial to look towards more sustainable and technically aligned alternatives like MySQL or Percona Server for MySQL. A report highlights some of the challenges MariaDB is facing, which might affect some users seeking stable, long-term database solutions. And, given how quickly things can change, there is also the potential for MariaDB to further diverge in its development and feature set in the future, making it crucial to consider how these changes could impact long-term database strategy and stability. In fact, MariaDB shareholders have just backed a private equity takeover offer, meaning there’s a possibility it could deviate even further from its original purpose.
Migration process from MariaDB to MySQL
Migrating from MariaDB to MySQL involves several critical steps to ensure data integrity and minimal downtime. Here is a breakdown of each step to help guide you through this process:
Assessment and planning
Evaluate current environment: Examine your existing databases’ schemas, data types, storage engines, and configurations. Pay attention to unique MariaDB features or custom settings that may not directly translate to MySQL. Determine whether triggers, stored procedures, or events need to be migrated.
Identify potential issues: Check for compatibility concerns, such as differences in SQL modes, indexing, syntax variations, and feature availability. Some MariaDB extensions and parameters may not have direct MySQL equivalents.
Prepare for downtime: Determine how much downtime is acceptable and whether a phased strategy is required to minimize user impact. Consider the database size and the potential duration of the migration process.
Prepare the MySQL environment
Set up infrastructure: Make sure your hardware or cloud environment has enough disk space, memory, CPU resources, and network bandwidth to handle the load during and after the migration.
Install MySQL: Ensure that the MySQL version you choose is compatible with the features used in MariaDB and meets your performance and scalability requirements. Consider using the most recent stable version for enhanced speed, security, and support.
Configure MySQL: Make sure MySQL’s settings match your MariaDB environment as closely as possible. This includes buffer sizes, character sets, SQL modes, and other server configurations. Review the MySQL configuration documentation for guidance.
Data export from MariaDB
Choose the right migration tool: While mysqldump is widely used, consider alternatives like mydumper or mysqlpump for larger databases. These tools support multi-threaded exports and parallelism for faster performance.
Execute data export: Use the appropriate command (e.g., mysqldump -u [username] -p [database_name] > [output_file.sql]) to create a SQL dump file. If necessary, include flags to handle stored procedures, triggers, events, and other database objects.
Consider logical backup: For larger databases or those with complex schemas, consider performing a logical backup using tools like mysqldump or mydumper to ensure a consistent and complete data export.
Data import to MySQL
Prepare the import environment: Increase the max_allowed_packet and innodb_log_file_size as necessary to accommodate larger queries and transactions during the import process.
Import data: Use the appropriate command (e.g., mysql -u [username] -p [database_name] < [input_file.sql]) to import your SQL dump file into MySQL.
Adjust scripts and applications: Update any scripts, stored procedures, triggers, or application settings to accommodate MySQL’s syntax and functional differences from MariaDB.
Testing
Functional testing: Ensure that all MySQL functionalities work as intended. Examine applications and other services that interact with the database for compatibility and proper behavior.
Performance testing: Compare the new and old environments to see if there are any performance differences. Look for queries that may need optimization or indexes that could benefit from adjustments.
Security testing: Validate security configurations, access controls, and user permissions in the new MySQL environment to ensure data protection.
Data verification: Compare the data in the migrated MySQL database with the original MariaDB database to ensure data integrity and consistency.
Go-live
Finalize go-live schedule: Communicate the migration schedule to all stakeholders, including application teams, users, and administrators. Plan for contingencies in case of rollback or unforeseen issues.
Switch over: Implement the cutover from MariaDB to MySQL during a planned downtime window or through a phased approach if applicable, depending on your requirements and constraints.
Monitor post-migration: Closely monitor the system for unexpected behavior, performance issues, or errors. Check logs, system alerts, and application monitoring tools.
Decommission old environment: Once the migration is successful and stable, decommission the old MariaDB environment following proper data retention and backup policies.
Our alternative: Percona Server for MySQL
While transitioning to MySQL addresses many concerns, it’s also worth considering Percona Server for MySQL. Our open source, drop-in replacement for MySQL offers an alternative to MariaDB, particularly for those looking for a solution that remains closely aligned with the original MySQL. Here’s why you might consider it:
Percona Server for MySQL vs. MariaDB
- High compatibility with MySQL: Percona Server for MySQL maintains high compatibility with the official MySQL codebase, ensuring a seamless migration process and minimal disruption to your applications.
- Performance and scalability enhancements: It includes optimizations that improve performance and scalability, which can be crucial for large-scale and demanding applications.
- Advanced features: Percona Server for MySQL includes features not available in community MySQL or MariaDB, like enhanced data recovery, audit logging, and thread pooling.
- Active development and support: Percona Server for MySQL is actively developed and supported by Percona, with deep expertise in MySQL and related technologies.
- Cost-efficient, enterprise-ready: Percona Server for MySQL is a more cost-effective solution than other database systems, which may require licensing fees or vendor lock-in to obtain enterprise-ready features.
- Enhanced security: Security is a top priority for enterprise-grade databases. Percona Server for MySQL delivers advanced security features like authentication with Plugin Authentication Modules (PAM), audit logging, and built-in encryption capabilities for data at rest and in transit.
While MariaDB has served many users well over the years, shifting dynamics suggest considering alternatives like MySQL or Percona Server for MySQL. Whether due to strategic alignment, technical requirements, or the need for different features, choosing the right solution is crucial to meeting your application’s needs and future-proofing your infrastructure.
Free technical guide to migrating from MariaDB to MySQL
As emphasized throughout this blog post, migrating databases can be a complex process. While we’ve covered the basic steps for migrating from MariaDB to MySQL or Percona Server for MySQL, it’s crucial to recognize that every organization’s specific requirements and constraints may vary.
If you want detailed information on migrating, we provide a free technical guide that offers a thorough, step-by-step walkthrough for those considering switching to Percona Server for MySQL.
Considering a migration but need help? Book your database migration assessment and discuss your needs and options with our experts.
