Home » migration » Understanding MySQL Replication Step-by-Step – A Complete Guide

Understanding MySQL Replication Step-by-Step – A Complete Guide

👤 Andrew Jackson | Published: November 6th, 2025 | migration, SQL | 10 Minutes Reading

We all know there are numerous reasons a user plans to switch their database from one environment to another, like MySQL or Azure. One way of carrying out this process is MySQL replication.  Now, what is MySQL replication, and how does it work? With the help of this technical write-up, we will understand all these concepts and further learn about MySQL replication step by step more thoroughly.  So, without any delays, we will briefly understand what the process is. 

What is MySQL Replication & Why Do We Need It?

When we talk about the Replication process, the term simply means a continuous transfer of data from the target(SQL Server) to the source(MySQL) database. This MySQL Replication step-by-step process involves real-time data synchronization, which further maintains data consistency during cross-platform migration. The replication process isn’t only bound to MySQL, but it also helps with migrating the database from MS SQL to Azure environment. Now, to gain a clearer understanding of how  MySQL replication works, we will examine the process and then proceed with the explained steps. 

  1. Firstly, the extraction of data from the source database, SQL Server, is initiated. 
  2. Then the scripts or tools detect and further capture the changes in the database, such as INSERTS, DELETES, and UPDATES. 
  3. After this is done, the captured data is then transformed into a MySQL-compatible format and scripts. 
  4. Once the data has been transformed, data is then loaded into the target, i.e., the MySQL database. This is done either fully at once or further in batches. 
  5. After the data transfer, to main consistency Change Data Capture (CDC) constantly monitors the SQL Server for any new changes. These changes are then replicated in near time in MySQL. 

This is a brief overview of the working of MySQL Replication. We will now take a look at the reasons why we choose replication over other methods of data transfer during cross-platform migration. 

Planning to Switch Databases? Do it Professionally!

When it comes to switching platforms with databases, it might seem like a complex process. While migrating from one environment to another, it is crucial to follow all the steps carefully to avoid any data loss risk. However, there are many trusted and professional solutions like SQL Server to MySQL Migration Tool, which allows users to efficiently migrate their databases from one SQL environment to another. Using this reliable solution further helps in case the database file from SQL Server is damaged and needs to be repaired before being migrated. 

Download Now Purchase Now

Reasons to Choose MySQL Replication Step-by-Step for Database Migration

Even though there are various methods for moving data from one server to another, it is still often preferred to choose replication as the migration method. Here are some reasons why users prefer this option. 

  • Reduced Downtime: The entire replication process is carried out in near real time. This means that the process can be executed without putting the database offline. This helps users reduce downtime during the process and further maintain the workflow. 
  • Spontaneous Data Synchronization:  The replication process is done by synchronizing the MySQL database with SQL Server. This replicates all the changes, like inserts, deletes, and updates, in the database. 
  • Minimum Risk of Data Loss: If the replication process is being carried out with the help of professional solutions, the risk of data loss is minimized. When it comes to the process, it is done while capturing the changes from the source database to the target database, ensuring no data loss during the process. 
  • Platform Independent: The replication process isn’t bound to platforms. This means that the process allows users to move data from Microsoft SQL Server to an open-source platform, i.e., MySQL database. 

These are a few common reasons to choose the Replication process to move data from one environment to another. Now, let’s move to the steps on how this process is executed. 

MySQL Replication Step-By-Step Explained

We will now understand the entire replication process in a thorough way to simplify its execution for the users. Here are the phases in which the process is completed. 

Phase 1: Preparing the Environment For Replication

To begin the replication process, it is important to analyze the database environments and further prepare them for replication. We will now take a look at what aspects to consider to prepare the database for data transfer.

  • Check the version of the SQL Server database before beginning the process. 
  • For a successful execution, it is important to ensure that both the database servers are accessible over the same network. 
  • To avoid connectivity issues, check whether MySQL has user permissions for MySQL Replication step-by-step and allow data transfer or creation. 
  • Next, choose the replication type to initiate the process, whether it should be a full load or incremental replication. 
  • Also, verify the schemas and tables that are required to be replicated. 

Phase 2: Choose an Appropriate Tool for MySQL Replication

To execute the process seamlessly, it is also crucial to choose the right solution. In case a user opts for a method they are not sure about, it can not only lead to an unsuccessful replication, but also make the entire process much more complex to execute. Here are some of the tools that can be used for  MySQL Replication. 

  • AWS Database Migration Service (DMS): A cloud-based service for migration, allowing hassle-free data transfer between platforms like SQL Server and MySQL. This tool supports real-time data synchronization by MySQL Replication step-by-step, with full load and CDC. 
  • SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS): SQL Server Integration Services is a tool by Microsoft that allows users to build pipelines to transfer data from the source environment to the target environment. SSIS is a preferable tool for MySQL replication, but it might require additional scripts for a smooth integration. 
  • Custom Scripts With PowerShell or Python: Using custom scripts to execute the MySQL replication process is a more specific and tailored way for data transfer. These scripts, generated in PowerShell or Python, help to extract, transform, and further load data from the source database to the target database. This option is also a reliable approach as it allows high flexibility, but on the other hand, it requires comparatively more manual configuration. 

Phase 3: Configuration of Source Database For Replication Process

Now, once the tool is selected, the next phase in MySQL Replication step-by-step is to configure the source database, which is SQL Server in this case. Here are the steps that will allow database administrators to efficiently configure the database for the replication process.

  1. The first step is to enable Change Data Capture to constantly monitor the data changes in the SQL Server Database.
  2. Next, it is time to create a specified replication user for the process with read access.
  3. After this, to verify the consistency, define primary keys on the SQL Server tables.
  4. For CDC, ensure that SQL Server Agent is working. 
  5. This is an important step to set up and network connection between the SQL Server and MySQL Database. 

Phase 4: Configure the Target Database For  MySQL Replication 

Now, it is required to set up the MySQL database for the replication process and further transfer data from SQL Server to the destination. Below are the steps for the configuration of the MySQL Database. 

  1. The first step is to create an empty schema with the same structure as SQL Server. 
  2. Next, to avoid compatibility issues, it is important to adjust the data types.
  3. DATETIME2 will be changed to DATETIME
  4. BIT will be changed to TINYINT(1)
  5. After that, disable the triggers, foreign keys, or constraints to improve performance during replication.
  6. Lastly, create a replication user with the UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE, and SELECT command privileges. 

Phase 5: Initiate MySQL Replication Step-by-Step With Data Load 

Now that both platforms are configured properly, it is time to begin the initial data transfer for the replication process. We will now discuss the steps that will help with the replication of the data from  MySQL. 

  • Firstly, extract all the data from the SQL Server tables with the help of the selected tool. 
  • Next, transform the data from MS SQL to match the destination server’s schema.
  • Then load the data from the source server to MySQL while preserving integrity.
  • After loading the data, it’s time to verify and validate the rows and data to ensure successful data loading.

Phase 6: Enabling CDC For the Replication Process

Now, after the data has been loaded into the software, it is time to enable Change Data Capture (CDC) to monitor real-time synchronization. Here are the further steps that will allow the users to monitor the process after loading the data.

  • First, read the transaction logs in SQL Server with the help of the configuration of the replication tool. 
  • Then, apply these captured UPDATES, INSERTS, and DELETES to MySQL. 
  • Next, decide the synchronization frequency: schedule it for real-time, near real-time, or batch updates, as per the requirement.
  • Once this is done, test the replication process by modifying the data in the source database and further verifying the changes in the MySQL database. 
Phase 7: Validate the  MySQL Replication Step-by-Step Process

Once the process till CDC enable is completed, it is now time to check and validate the data integrity in the destination database. Let’s now take a look at the aspects that should be monitored after the replication. 

  • Check and compare the row counts between the MS SQL and MySQL databases. 
  • Review the replication logs to find any errors or missing transactions. 
  • Setting up alerts will help users to be aware of replication failures or performance drops. 

Once all these steps are executed successfully, the data has been moved to from the source database to the target database. After this, it is now time to cutover to MySQL database. 

Phase 8: Cutover to Destination Database

After the validation, it is now time to plan the cutover and switch to the MySQL database entirely. Here are the steps the user must follow for a precise cutover. 

  • It is better to temporarily cease all the user writes operations to the SQL Server source.
  • Do a final synchronization to verify that the MySQL database is updated completely. 
  • Next, redirect the specified application connections to the target server as well.

It is beneficial to schedule the entire cutover process during non-productivity hours. This will help with minimal downtime in the organization. 

By following all these steps explained in each of the phases, a user or database administrator can seamlessly move or transfer their data from the source server to the destination server. 

Conclusion

With the help of this write-up, we have discussed the requirements of MySQL Replication Step-by-Step process. We further understood the common reasons for this migration and how MySQL replication step by step can be implemented accurately. Furthermore, the blog comprises thorough explanation of each phase to let users understand the issue more clearly.