MYSQL UPGRADE FROM 5.x.x to 8.x.x

In this blog, I’ll share my experiences and learnings from upgrading MySQL from version 5.x to version 8.

Upgrading MySQL Benefits

Upgrading MySQL brings many benefits, such as improved performance, security, and scalability. MySQL 8 introduces significant performance improvements, such as the ability to handle more connections, enhanced query optimization, and better handling of large datasets. In addition, MySQL 8 introduces many new security features, such as password policies, two-factor authentication, and improved encryption. These features help improve the overall security of your database.

Why upgrade to 8.x.x Version and Not 5.7.x?

It’s essential to upgrade to MySQL 8 instead of 5.7.x because 5.7 is a legacy version with no new features and only receives critical bug fixes. Upgrading from 5.x.x to 5.7.x can be done in smaller steps, but moving to the latest version is recommended as it provides the best support, security, and features. Moving to MySQL 8 also brings many performance optimizations we won’t get with version 5.7, such as the JSON datatype, enhanced window functions, and improved spatial data support.

Common Learnings and Steps of Execution

1. Planning: DBA Process and Upgrade Strategy

One of the most important things we can do before upgrading your MySQL version is to plan everything. Upgrading can be a complicated process involving many moving parts, so it’s essential to create a detailed plan that outlines everything we need to do. This process includes backing up your data, checking your hardware and software requirements, identifying compatibility issues, and creating a rollback plan in case something goes wrong. In our case, we chalked out a detailed plan well discussed with DBA and a senior architect to avoid any last-minute issues.

2. Backing up data

Upgrading your MySQL version can be risky, so it’s crucial to back up your data before you start. This ensures we have a copy of all our data if something goes wrong during the upgrade. In addition, communicating any changes to all stakeholders is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Check hardware and software requirements

Before upgrading your MySQL version, we must check the hardware and software requirements for the new version, ensuring that our system is compatible with the latest version and won’t run into any issues during the upgrade process.

When upgrading to MySQL 8, we carefully checked the hardware and software requirements. We also checked for compatibility issues with our existing applications and made the necessary changes to ensure everything worked smoothly after the upgrade.

4. Changes and POC

During the upgrade process, we learned a lot about the internals of MySQL and how our applications interact with it. One common learning is that the SQL syntax has changed, and we need to modify our queries. The MySQL drivers for some applications also needed to be updated. Another significant change with upgrading to MySQL 8 is removing support for 0000–00–00 timestamp values. If our database contains any such values, we will need to update them before upgrading to version 8

Also, upgrading to MySQL 8 may require updating or replacing any third-party software that integrates with MySQL. Also, before upgrading to MySQL 8, conducting a Proof of Concept (POC) is essential to ensure that the new version works with your application. It’s crucial to test your application thoroughly before upgrading to avoid any surprises during the upgrade process.

In our case, we tested everything extensively before moving forward with the upgrade. We tested our upgrade on a staging server before rolling it out to production to minimize downtime and reduce the risk of data loss. This testing gave us confidence that the upgrade would go smoothly.

5. Be prepared to troubleshoot

Despite all our planning and testing, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong during the upgrade process. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared to troubleshoot any issues. In addition, we should have a rollback plan in place in case something goes wrong.

When we upgraded to MySQL 8, we had a rollback plan in place and ensured that we had the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix any issues that came up during the upgrade.

Performance Gains

One of the most significant benefits of upgrading your MySQL database is the potential for improved performance. Newer versions of MySQL are often optimized for speed, meaning they can handle more requests and data than older versions. Additionally, version 8.x.x provides more robust support for indexing, which can help speed up queries and reduce database load.

Possible Pitfalls and monitoring

While upgrading your MySQL database can provide significant benefits, there are also potential pitfalls that we should be aware of. For example, a single database can be connected to several applications/crons/scripts, and all the touch points need to be considered and tested during the upgrade process. Upgrading can also introduce unknown security risks, so working closely with the DBA to ensure your database remains secure throughout the process is essential.

After the upgrade, we also need to monitor our database and application performance to identify any issues that may have been introduced.

In conclusion, upgrading from MySQL 5.x.x to version 8.x.x is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. However, by following these guidelines and being prepared for changes, we can ensure a smooth upgrade process with minimal downtime and maximum benefits for our applications.