How to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB

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How do I migrate my MySQL database to MariaDB without downtime?

Move data, users, and routines from a MySQL server to MariaDB with no data loss and minimal downtime.

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Description

What does a MySQL ➜ MariaDB migration involve?

Migration copies all schemas, data, users, and server settings from a MySQL source to a MariaDB target. It normally uses logical dumps, physical copies, or replication to achieve a zero-loss cut-over.

Which tools are most reliable?

Use mysqldump or mysqlpump for logical exports, mariabackup for physical copies, and MySQL GTID replication for near-zero downtime cut-over.

How to export every object quickly?

Run mysqldump --routines --events --triggers --single-transaction --set-gtid-purged=OFF to dump a consistent snapshot including procedures, events, and triggers.

How to import into MariaDB safely?

Pipe the dump straight into the target: mysql -h mariadb.host -u root -p < dump.sql. Disable foreign-key checks (SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS=0) during load for speed.

How to achieve near-zero downtime?

Enable GTID on both servers, take an initial dump, start replication from MySQL ➜ MariaDB, wait until Seconds_Behind_Master = 0, then switch the application connection string.

How to validate the migrated data?

Run row counts and checksums on critical tables. Example: SELECT COUNT(*) FROM Orders; on both servers must match.

Best practices for ecommerce databases?

Lock writes only for the final cut-over, verify that utf8mb4 is default, and test order-processing flows against the MariaDB staging replica before going live.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Avoid using old client libraries that lack MariaDB protocol fixes, and always migrate user accounts with mysql.user grants to prevent login errors.

How to migrate user grants?

Dump users with mysqldump --all-databases --no-create-info --routines --events --triggers --flush-privileges and import into MariaDB. Alternatively, copy only relevant rows from mysql.user.

How to roll back?

Keep the original MySQL server untouched until you verify the MariaDB instance in production. Roll back by repointing DNS if issues occur within your defined observation window.

Why How to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB is important

How to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB Example Usage


-- Verify order totals match after migration
SELECT o.id,
       o.total_amount,
       SUM(oi.quantity * p.price) AS recalculated_total
FROM Orders o
JOIN OrderItems oi  ON oi.order_id = o.id
JOIN Products p     ON p.id = oi.product_id
GROUP BY o.id, o.total_amount
HAVING o.total_amount <> recalculated_total;

How to Migrate from MySQL to MariaDB Syntax


# Logical dump with routines, events, triggers, GTID safe
mysqldump \
  --host=mysql.src \
  --user=root --password \
  --single-transaction \
  --routines --events --triggers \
  --set-gtid-purged=OFF \
  --databases ecommerce \
  > ecommerce_dump.sql

# Import into MariaDB target
mysql -h mariadb.dest -u root -p < ecommerce_dump.sql

# Optional: enable replication for near-zero downtime
CHANGE MASTER TO \
  MASTER_HOST='mysql.src', \
  MASTER_USER='repl', MASTER_PASSWORD='secret', \
  MASTER_LOG_FILE='mysql-bin.000123', MASTER_LOG_POS=456; 
START SLAVE;  -- MariaDB follows MySQL until cut-over

# Example SQL checks after import
SELECT COUNT(*) AS total_customers FROM Customers;
SELECT SUM(total_amount) FROM Orders WHERE order_date >= CURDATE() - INTERVAL 30 DAY;

Common Mistakes

Ignoring character set differences. MySQL may default to utf8, while MariaDB defaults to utf8mb4. Dumping without <code>--default-character-set=utf8mb4</code> causes garbled text. Always specify the correct character set during export and verify <code>information_schema.SCHEMATA</code> after import.
Forgetting to include routines and triggers in the dump. Omitting <code>--routines --events --triggers</code> leads to missing business logic in the target server. Always add these flags or use <code>mysqlpump --include-triggers</code>.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is MariaDB a drop-in replacement for MySQL?

For most 5.7 features it is. Verify deprecated syntax and storage-engine specifics before production switch.

Can I migrate large tables (>1 TB) with mysqldump?

Use physical tools like mariabackup or Percona XtraBackup to avoid several-hour dumps. Combine with replication for minimal downtime.

Do I need to change my application drivers?

Most MySQL connectors work unchanged. Upgrade to the latest connector version to benefit from MariaDB protocol improvements.

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