With MySQL 8.0’s end-of-life approaching in 2026, sysadmins need to plan their database strategy. Options include upgrading to MySQL 8.4, migrating to MariaDB, or adopting a MySQL-compatible database like TiDB.
- What are the practical steps sysadmins should take in 2025 to evaluate and implement these options?
- What are the key benefits and challenges of each, especially regarding migration effort, application compatibility, and performance?
- Which MySQL 8.4 changes or new features are likely to require the most rework, and how can these be addressed proactively?
