How to Migrate from MariaDB to SQLServer in PostgreSQL

How do I migrate from MariaDB to SQL Server without data loss?

Migrating from MariaDB to SQL Server moves tables, data, and routines while converting MySQL-specific syntax into T-SQL equivalents.

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Description

Why migrate from MariaDB to SQLServer?

Gain tighter integration with Microsoft tooling, larger ecosystem support, and enhanced analytics features such as columnstore indexes and Always On availability groups.

What prerequisites should be prepared?

Install SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) for MySQL, create an empty SQL Server database, configure an ODBC driver for MariaDB, and back up the source.

How do I export schemas from MariaDB?

Run mysqldump --no-data --routines --events --compatible=mssql ecommerce > schema.sql.The --compatible=mssql flag helps trim MySQL-only options.

How do I convert and load schemas into SQLServer?

Open SSMA, connect to MariaDB and SQL Server, choose objects, click “Convert Schema,” inspect warnings, then “Synchronize with Database.” SSMA creates T-SQL equivalents automatically.

Manual T-SQL tweaks

Replace UNSIGNED with larger signed types, change DATETIME default '0000-00-00' to NULL, and convert AUTO_INCREMENT to IDENTITY(1,1).

How do I move data safely?

Select “Migrate Data” in SSMA or use a linked server: EXEC sp_addlinkedserver ..., then INSERT INTO dbo.Customers SELECT * FROM MARIA_DB...Customers.Wrap each table in a transaction.

Bulk copy for large tables

Export CSV with SELECT ...INTO OUTFILE, then run BULK INSERT dbo.OrderItems FROM 'C:\exports\OrderItems.csv' WITH (FIELDTERMINATOR=',', ROWTERMINATOR='\n');

How do I validate the migration?

Run row counts, checksum comparisons, and spot-check orders: SELECT COUNT(*) FROM dbo.Orders EXCEPT SELECT COUNT(*) FROM MARIA_DB...Orders;

How do I cut over with minimal downtime?

Enable binlog replication to SQL Server using mysqlbinlog + SSMA CDC, pause writes, run a final incremental load, swap application connection strings, and monitor errors.

Best practices for zero-downtime migration

Clean up orphaned FK constraints first, migrate lowest-traffic hours, script repeatable tasks, and keep both systems in read-only mode during switchover.

Common mistakes and fixes

Unsigned integers overflow. Convert to BIGINT or add data-range checks.

Zero dates rejected. Replace with NULL or valid defaults before import.

Why How to Migrate from MariaDB to SQLServer in PostgreSQL is important

How to Migrate from MariaDB to SQLServer in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Copy Orders table via linked server after schema is in place
BEGIN TRAN;
INSERT INTO dbo.Orders (id, customer_id, order_date, total_amount)
SELECT id, customer_id, order_date, total_amount
FROM   MARIA_DB.ecommerce.Orders;
COMMIT;

How to Migrate from MariaDB to SQLServer in PostgreSQL Syntax


# Export schema only from MariaDB
mysqldump --no-data --routines --events \
         --compatible=mssql \
         -u root -p ecommerce > schema.sql

# SSMA CLI full migration
ssmaforMysqlconsole.exe \
  -s "server=localhost;uid=root;pwd=pass;db=ecommerce" \
  -t "server=sqlprod;uid=sa;pwd=Strong!Pass;db=ecommerce" \
  -project Ecommerce \
  -migrateSchema \
  -migrateData \
  -log ssma.log

# Create linked server in SQL Server
EXEC sp_addlinkedserver
     @server = 'MARIA_DB',
     @srvproduct = 'MySQL',
     @provider = 'MSDASQL',
     @datasrc = 'MariaDB_ODBC';

# Copy data per table
INSERT INTO dbo.Customers(id,name,email,created_at)
SELECT id,name,email,created_at
FROM   MARIA_DB.ecommerce.Customers;

# Bulk insert large fact table
BULK INSERT dbo.OrderItems
FROM 'C:\exports\OrderItems.csv'
WITH (FIELDTERMINATOR=',', ROWTERMINATOR='\n');

Common Mistakes

Ignoring unsigned integer types causes overflow in SQL Server. Always map MariaDB UNSIGNED INT to a larger signed type (e.g., INT→BIGINT) or add CHECK constraints.
Leaving zero dates like '0000-00-00' breaks SQL Server imports. Replace or nullify invalid dates during export, or set SSMA to convert zero dates to NULL.