Azure MySQL Support for MySQL v5.7 Beyond Oracle's EOL at Oct 2023

This is a self-answer thread in turns of Azure MySQL extended support for MySQL v5.7 after Oracle announce MySQL v5.7 deprecation at Oct 2023.

In response to the customer's requests, Microsoft has decided to prolong the support for Azure Database for MySQL beyond October 2023. During the extended support period, which will last until September 2025, Microsoft prioritizes the availability, reliability, and security of the service. While there are no specific guarantees regarding minor version upgrades, we implement essential modifications to ensure that the service remains accessible, dependable, and protected. Our plan includes:

• Extended support for v5.7 on Azure Database for MySQL- Flexible Servers until 30th September 2025, offering ample time for customers to plan and execute their upgrades to MySQL v8.0.
• Extended support for v5.7 on Azure Database for MySQL- Single Servers until they're retired on 16th September 2024. This extended support provides Azure Database for MySQL -Single Server customers ample time to migrate to Azure Database for MySQL - Flexible Server version 5.7 and then later upgrade to 8.0.

Before we end our support of Azure Database for MySQL 5.7, there are several important timelines that you should pay attention.

Azure MySQL 5.7 Deprecation Timelines

To summarize, creating Azure Database for MySQL v5.7 - Flexible Server will conclude in April 2024. However, it's important to note that certain scenarios such as replica creation, point in time recovery, and migration from Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server or Azure Database for MariaDB to Azure Database for MySQL - Flexible Server, will allow you to create MySQL version 5.7 until the end of the extended support period.

FAQs

Q: What is the process for upgrading Azure database for MySQL - Flexible server from version v5.7 to v8.0?

A: Starting May 2023, Azure Database for MySQL - Flexible Server enables you to carry out an in-place upgrade from MySQL v5.7 to v8.0 utilizing the Major Version Upgrade (MVU) feature. For more detailed information, please consult the Major version upgrade document.

Q: I'm currently using Azure database for MySQL - Single Sever version 5.7, how should I plan my upgrade?

A: Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server does not offer built-in support for major version upgrade from v5.7 to v8.0. As Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server is on deprecation path, there are no investments planned to support major version upgrade from v5.7 to v8.0. The recommended path to upgrade from v5.7 of Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server to v8.0 is to first migrate your v5.7 Azure Database for MySQL - Single Server to v5.7 of Azure Database for MySQL - Flexible Server. Once the migration is completed and server is stabilized on Flexible Server, you can proceed with performing a major version upgrade on the migrated Azure Database for MySQL - Flexible Server from v5.7 to v8.0. The extended support for v5.7 on Flexible Server will allow you to run on v5.7 longer and plan your upgrade to v8.0 on Flexible Server at a later point in time after migration from Single Server.

Q: Are there any expected downtime or performance impacts during the upgrade process?

A: Yes, it's expected that there will be some downtime during the upgrade process. The specific duration varies depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the database. We advise conducting a test upgrade on a nonproduction environment to assess the expected downtime and evaluate the potential performance impact. If you wish to minimize downtime for your applications during the upgrade, you can explore the option of perform minimal downtime major version upgrade from MySQL 5.7 to MySQL 8.0 using read replica.

Q: Can I roll back to MySQL v5.7 after upgrading to v8.0?

A: While it's generally not recommended to downgrade from MySQL v8.0 to v5.7, as the latter is nearing its End of Life status, we acknowledge that there may be specific scenarios where this flexibility becomes necessary. To ensure a smooth upgrade process and alleviate any potential concerns, it's strongly advised adhering to best practices by performing a comprehensive on-demand backup before proceeding with the upgrade to MySQL v8.0. This backup serves as a precautionary measure, allowing you to restore your database to its previous version on to another new Azure Database for MySQL -Flexible server in the event of any unexpected issues or complications with MySQL v8.0.

Q: What are the main advantages of upgrading to MySQL v8.0?

A: MySQL v8.0 comes with a host of improvements, including more efficient data dictionary, enhanced security, and other features like common table expressions and window functions. Details please refer to MySQL 8.0 release notes

Q: Are there any compatibility issues to be aware of when upgrading to MySQL v8.0?

A: Some compatibility issues may arise due to changes in MySQL v8.0. It's important to test your applications with MySQL v8.0 before upgrading the production database. Check MySQL's official documentation for a detailed list of compatibility issues.

Q: What support is available if I encounter issues during the upgrade process?

A: If you have questions, get answers from community experts in Microsoft Q&A. If you have a support plan and you need technical help, create a support request. You can also reach out to the Azure Database for MySQL product team at [AskAzureDBforMySQL@service.microsoft.com].

Q: What will happen to my data during the upgrade?

A: While your data will remain unaffected during the upgrade process, it's highly advisable to create a backup of your data before proceeding with the upgrade. This precautionary measure will help mitigate the risk of potential data loss in the event of unforeseen complications.

Q: What will happen to the server 5.7 post Sep 2025

A: You refer to our retired MySQL version support policy to learn what will happen after Azure Database for MySQL 5.7 end of support

Q: I have a Azure Database for MariaDB or Azure database for MySQL -Single server, how can I create the server in 5.7 post April 2024 for migrating to Azure database for MySQL - flexible server?

A: If there's MariaDB\Single server in your subscription, this subscription is still permitted to create Azure Database for MySQL – Flexible Server v5.7 for the purpose of migration to Azure Database for MySQL – Flexible ServerFor more detials of our version policy, please visit https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/mysql/concepts-version-policy

If you have any more question that is not covered in this article, feel free to left your question in this thread, Azure MySQL team will try our best to answer your question in turns of the extended support for MySQL v5.7 on Azure