An Ultimate Guide to SQL Server to MySQL Migration

Migrating SQL Server from one server to another is already a complex process for the database administrators. However, when it comes to SQL Server to MySQL migration, the challenges increase. So, to understand the entire process of this migration and resolve the possible challenges encountered by the users, we will explain everything in this guide. The blog not only covers the basics of the migration process, but also the complex technicalities of the migration. 

But before jumping on the process directly, we will first understand the requirements that demand this migration process. 

Why is it Efficient to Migrate From SQL Server to MySQL?

The migration from one database management service environment to another is one in several situations. The most common reasons include flexibility and effective access across platforms like Azure SQL database. Here are some of the common scenarios for the SQL Server to MySQL migration.

• The first benefit of this migration is cost efficiency. The SQL Server requires a paid license, which can be expensive for individuals or for startups. On the other hand, MySQL is more of an open-source platform and comparatively cost-effective.
• When it comes to the compatibility of the database environment. MySQL offers better cross-platform compatibility to database administrators as it supports different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. 
• Another benefit of the migrate from SQL Server to MySQL is scalability and its smooth integration with various cloud platforms such as Google Cloud SQL, AWS RDS, and Azure Database for MySQL. 

These are some of the most common reasons and scenarios that demand that users migrate from SQL Server to MySQL. Furthermore, with these benefits, it becomes more advantageous for the users to migrate their databases. But the process isn’t as easy as it seems. Let’s discuss some of the challenges that a user might encounter during the migration process. 

What Are the Challenges in SQL Server to MySQL Migration?

Here are some often encountered issues by users and database administrators while migrating the database from one database environment to another. 

• The first and major challenge in this migration is the data-type incompatibility issue. This means that the data types supported in both the database environments might have different behaviors for a similar data type. If the user doesn’t pay much attention to it, or does not properly handle the data during migration, it can lead to complete data loss in the database.

As we can see, one of the major challenges of this migration is permanent data loss in the database; no user would risk proceeding with the SQL Server to MySQL migration process. In such situations, it becomes crucial for the database administrators to keep a trusted recovery solution handy that can help them save the data in such scenarios. One preferred and expert-recommended solution is using the SysTools SQL Database Recovery Software. This utility is designed with advanced features to recover the lost data from the master database files. The tool additionally helps scan and repair any corruption in the SQL Server database to keep the data safe for the users. 

• When the user tries to migrate from SQL Server to MySQL, the database object within the SQL Server database requires manual rewriting. As both environments have significant differences while handling the database objects, it is required for the users to rewrite the functions, stored procedures, and triggers to avoid any issues after database migration.
• If the database to be migrated is too large in size, it is advised to plan the entire process, as directly migrating a large database can lead to workflow disruption and business downtime. 

These challenges in the migration process raise various concerns for the users. Now, proceeding with the write-up, let’s take a look at the ways that can help the database administrators to seamlessly carry out the SQL Server to MySQL migration. 

Prerequisites While Migrating From SQL Server to MySQL

Before initiating the migration process, it is crucial to keep a few things in mind and follow certain steps to ensure efficient migration. Here are the prerequisites for users and database administrators for a safe migration. 

1. The first crucial step is to prepare both environments for the database migration from SQL Server to the MySQL database. This includes:
   • Installation and proper configuration of the MySQL Database environment on the device.
   • Proper connectivity between the source(SQL Server) and target(MySQL) database instances.
   • Availability of enough CPU, memory, storage, and other resources during the SQL Server to MySQL migration process. 
2. It is important to document and assess the schema and data for a smoother migration from SQL Server to MySQL.
3. Plan and schedule the entire process. It is crucial to know the migration method or tool before beginning the process.
4. Keep a backup and recovery strategy prepared, in case anything goes wrong during the migration process. 
5. To carry out the entire process smoothly and ensure workflow continuity, it is also important to train the team for the new environment before the migration. 

As we are now aware of the process necessities, let’s now jump to the methods to migrate from SQL Server to MySQL. 

Also Read: How to Migrate MySQL Database to SQL Server Database Seamlessly?

Steps For SQL Server to MySQL Migration

So far in this guide, we have learned the common scenarios requiring the database migration from one environment to another and the challenges a user might encounter. Furthermore, we have also discussed the prerequisites that the database administrators must follow for a seamless migration of data between the two environments. We will now proceed with the methods and steps that will help with this migration. 

The first step of this migration is to export the database from SQL Server to CSV File  to migrate the database from one environment to another. Let’s take a look at the steps of how this export and import process can be done efficiently. The process includes three phases: 

1. Exporting CSV Script of SQL Server Database
2. Creating Schema in Target Database(MySQL)
3. Importing CSV Script to MySQL Database

We will now understand these phases one by one in depth for better understanding.

Phase 1: Create CSV Script of SQL Server Database For Export 

1. Connect the desired database to SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Right-click on the database and go to Tasks. Next, click on the Export Data option. 
3. Choose the output type as Flat File Destination to continue with SQL Server to MySQL migration.
4. Next, choose CSV as the required format and then specify the path to carry out the migration. 
5. Choose the tables and views required to be exported. 
6. Click on the Export Button, and once the process is completed, verify the exported CSV file. 

Once the CSV Script of the SQL Server database is exported, the next phase is to prepare the schema for the destination(MySQL) database. 

Phase 2: Create Schema in MySQL Database for SQL Server to MySQL Migration

In this step, it is required to create a similar schema as the source database in the destination database to ensure a smooth migration. While creating the schema, it is crucial to map the datatypes of both databases. This will prevent the risk of datatype incompatibility in the database during migration. Here is an example of creating a schema in a MySQL database:

Here, the data types used are the ones that are compatible with the MySQL database. 

Once the schema is created in the destination database, it is now time to import the SQL Server CSV Script in the MySQL Database. 

Phase 3: Import CSV Script to Migrate From SQL Server to MySQL

After we have exported the SQL Server Database as CSV Script, and created a schema in the MySQL database, it is now time to import the database script into the destination database(MySQL). Let’s take a look at how this can be done. The import process in the database for SQL Server to MySQL migration process can be done using the given command:

• In this command, it is required to change the file_name to the name of your CSV file. 
• Next, in FIELDS TERMINATED BY ‘string’, the ‘string’ is to be replaced with ‘,’ to separate columns in CSV files.
• The command LINES TERMINATED BY ‘string’ specifies the character that signifies a newline. In this case, ‘string’ is to be replaced with ‘\n’.

After the import process, it is important to validate the database transfer in the destination database. By following these steps, one can easily migrate SQL Server database to MySQL Database. 

Conclusion

With the help of this elaborate guide, we have discussed SQL Server to MySQL migration thoroughly. To understand the process better, we have also mentioned the reasons, challenges, and further steps that will allow the users to effectively migrate from SQL Server to MySQL.