When using MySQL databases in C#, developers often choose Oracle's official MySql.Data (MySQL connector/NET) package. However, a compelling alternative has emerged that not only matches but even surpasses the official connector in almost all important metrics: MySqlConnector.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore why MySqlConnector is the go-to choice for modern C# applications and why you should consider making the switch.
The story of two connectors
MySql.Data: The official but troublesome choice
MySql.Data, officially known as MySQL Connector/NET, is Oracle's official MySQL ADO.NET driver. Although it has official support, it has also accumulated many problems over the years:
- GPL 2.0 licensing complexity and commercial licensing requirements
- Obvious performance bottlenecks under load
- Dozens of unsolved vulnerabilities have existed for years
- Quarterly releases with slow development cycles
- Limited server compatibility (MySQL servers only)
MySqlConnector: A community-driven alternative
MySqlConnector is a completely new implementation of the MySQL protocol that is built entirely on modern .NET practices. It is not based on Oracle code, but directly implements the MySQL line protocol, so:
- MIT licensing that is truly conducive to business
- All benchmarks performed well
- Actively developed and regularly released
- Wider compatibility with MySQL-compatible servers
- Start by implementing modern .NET features
Performance: The benefits of MySqlConnector
The performance difference between the two libraries is significant. Recent benchmarks for MySqlConnector 2.3.1 and MySql.Data 8.2.0 show:
- Query execution times are significantly faster
- Reduced memory allocation during data manipulation
- Higher throughput under concurrent load
- More efficient connection pools
Benchmark results consistently demonstrate that MySqlConnector outperforms MySql.Data in various scenarios, from simple queries to complex data-intensive operations. This is not a small improvement, but a significant increase in application scalability.
License: Freedom vs. Restrictions
One of the most compelling reasons to choose MySqlConnector is its licensing model:
MySql.Data Licensing Challenge
MySql.Data is licensed under the GPL 2.0 license, but comes with Oracle's generic FOSS exceptions. This brings some trouble:
- Commercial applications may require the purchase of commercial licenses from Oracle
- GPL copyright requirements can affect your entire application
- Legal uncertainty about distribution and derivative works
- Potential costs for commercial software vendors
MIT license for MySqlConnector
MySqlConnector uses an MIT license that provides:
- Completely free commercial use
- Your app is not subject to copyright restrictions
- Clear, simple licensing terms that the legal team can understand
- No licensing fees are required regardless of your business model
For most commercial software development, this license difference alone is enough to justify the conversion.
Async: True asynchronous programming
One of the most significant technical advantages of MySqlConnector is its true asynchronous implementation:
MySql.Data
Prior to the 8.0.33 release, MySql.Data had a serious flaw: all "asynchronous" methods were actually synchronized operations that returned completed tasks. This means:
- There is no true I/O parallelism
- Load down thread pool hunger
- Scalability bottlenecks in high-concurrency scenarios
- Misleading API contracts may seem asynchronous, but they are not
MySqlConnector is truly asynchronous
MySqlConnector implements true asynchronous I/O:
This makes modern async/wait applications truly scalable.
Server Compatibility: Beyond MySQL
MySqlConnector supports the broader MySQL-compatible database ecosystem:
MySql.Data limit
- MySQL server only (compatibility issues with MariaDB 10.10+)
- Limited cloud provider support
- There is no optimization for Aurora
MySqlConnector wide compatibility
- MySQL 5.5+ and 8.x/9.x series
- MariaDB 10.x and 11.x
- Amazon Aurora (Specifically Optimized)
- Azure Database for MySQL
- Google Cloud SQL for MySQL
- Percona server
- Planetary scale
- Single-storage database
- TiDB
This flexibility is crucial in modern cloud-native environments, where you may need to switch between different MySQL-compatible services.
Bug fixes: Ten years of issues have been resolved
MySqlConnector fixes dozens of long-standing unresolved bugs in MySql.Data. Here are some notable examples:
Connection and pool management
- Connection pools use stacks instead of queues (causing connection drops)
- The connection does not reset correctly when returning to the pool
- Memory leak in high connection scenarios
Data type processing
- TINYINT(1) inconsistently returns different types
- TIME and DATETIME precision issues
- NULL does not handle values correctly in some cases
Transaction management
- Commands executed with the wrong transaction
- The level of transaction isolation that affects the entire session
- Distributed transaction issues
Prepared statements
- Various data corruption issues for prepared statements
- Some types of parameter bindings are incorrect
- Statement preparation results in performance degradation
Modern .NET features: Leading the way
MySqlConnector always implements new .NET features first:
- The first MySQL driver to support .NET Core
- DbBatch support (.NET 6.0)
- DbDataSource support (.NET 7.0)
- DateOnly and TimeOnly are supported
- Modern asynchronous mode throughout
This forward-thinking approach ensures that your applications can leverage the latest .NET capabilities immediately.
Migrate: Easier than you think
Switching from MySql.Data to MySqlConnector is simple:
1. Update package reference
2. Update the namespace
3. Update the connection string option
Most connection strings remain the same, but some defaults differ:
- ConnectionReset=true by default (better for pooling)
- IgnoreCommandTransaction=false by default (stricter validation)
- CharacterSet is ignored (utf8mb4 is always used)
4. Deal with significant changes
The migration guidance documents the specific changes that need to be made to:
- Implicit type conversion
- Exception type
- Parameter processing
- Transaction-scoped behavior
Real-World Impact: Performance Benchmarks
In a production scenario, the team reports:
- 25-40% faster query execution time
- 30-50% reduction in memory usage
- Eliminates the timeout issue plaguing MySql.Data
- Better connection pool utilization
- Reduces GC pressure by reducing dispensing
Entity framework core integration
MySqlConnector integrates seamlessly with Entity Framework Core through the Pomelo provider:
This combination offers excellent performance and compatibility with EF Core's latest features.
When not to switch
While MySqlConnector performs well in most cases, consider continuing to use MySql.Data if:
- You are using a very old .NET Framework version (although MySqlConnector supports .NET Framework 4.6.1+)
- You have a lot of custom code that depends on MySql.Data's specific behavior
- Your app is old and stable with no performance issues
- You need an Oracle commercial support contract
Community and development
The benefits of MySqlConnector are:
- Active GitHub development and regular release of releases
- Maintenance staff are responsive and able to fix errors quickly
- Comprehensive documentation and examples
- Open development process where anyone can contribute
- Regularly improve and optimize performance
The future is clearly visible
The trend in the .NET MySQL ecosystem is clear: MySqlConnector represents the future of MySQL connectivity in .NET applications. Its superior performance, true asynchronous implementation, broader compatibility, and business-friendly licensing make it a standout choice for new applications.
Oracle's MySql.Data, while official, is burdened with legacy design decisions, licensing complexity, and a slower pace of innovation. For modern applications built with a focus on performance, scalability, and developer experience, MySqlConnector is the clear winner.
Make a switch
For new projects, choose MySqlConnector from the start. For existing applications, evaluate the migration effort based on the following benefits:
- High-traffic applications will get an immediate performance boost
- Cloud-native applications will benefit from better compatibility
- Business software will appreciate simplified licensing
- Modern .NET applications can take advantage of new features
The MySQL ecosystem in .NET is mature, and MySqlConnector represents the next chapter in its evolution. The question is not whether to switch, but when to migrate to this better library.
Original:The hyperlink login is visible. |
Posted on 2025-6-25 16:48:53
|
|
|
