How to Transfer Data from MSSQL to MySQL Database Effectively?

With the rapidly growing database needs, every database administrator has once wondered about switching database platforms. One of the common switches they plan is to transfer data from MSSQL to MySQL database. This migration helps users access their database in a more reliable and open source environment in a much reduced cost. There are several other benefits offered with this data transfer. With the help of this write-up, we will thoroughly understand the requirements and process of this migration step-by-step to make the entire process easier for users to understand. Let’s begin by taking a look at the common scenarios that require this transfer. 

Why Do We Need to Transfer Data from SQL Server to MySQL?

There are several reasons that ight require a user or database administrator to migrate the database from the SQL Server environment to MySQL environment. Here are some of the common reasons:

• The most common reason to transfer data from MSSQL to MySQL is cost optimization. As we are all aware, MSSQL is a licensed database environment, requiring users to pay a certain amount for services and data management. However, the MySQL database is an open-source environment. This helps users save money while securing and managing their data. 
•  In case a user is planning to switch their operating system, moving data from SQL Server to MySQL proves helpful. MySQL is an open source platform that efficiently supports LINUX or UNIX. 
• When it comes to cross-platform migration, that can be due to any issues with the SQL Server environment, or the database approaching it’s end of life, it becomes a good alternative to switch from MSSQL to MySQL for continued workflow of the database administrators.

These are some of the most common reasons that demand the users to migrate their database from SQL Server to a MySQL environment. Let’s now take a look at the ways that cn help users to transfer data from SQL Server to MySQL efficiently. 

How to Move Data From Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL? Best Methods Explained

Here we will be discussing both manual as well as automated solution to migrate the database from one environment to another effectively. Beginning with the manual way of migration. Below are the steps to migrate the database manually:

Phase 1: Export the SQL Server Schema Script 

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

Phase 2: Create a Schema in MySQL Database for Migration

In this step, we are required to create a similar schema in MySQL database for the exported attributes. This will help avoid any risks of compatibility issues during migration of the database. Here is the command that will help users create the schema in the MySQL database. 

CREATE TABLE table_name (
    column1 INT,                                     
    column2 DATE,                                             
    PRIMARY KEY (column2)               
);

Step 3: Import SQL Server Schema Script to MySQL Database

Now, once the data has been exported from the SQL Server database, it is now time to import the data in the MySQL database. To do the same, the command given below will help:

LOAD DATA [LOCAL] INFILE 'file_name' 
INTO TABLE table_name 
FIELDS TERMINATED BY 'string' 
LINES TERMINATED BY 'string' 
IGNORE number {LINES | ROWS};

With the help of this command, users can effectively import the SQL Server schema scripts into the MySQL database and further complete the process to migrate SQL Server db to MySQL. Now that we are done with the migration, the next step is to test the migrated data in the MySQL database. After validation, users can ensure whether the data has been correctly migrated or not. Let’s now take a look at the automated solution and learn how it helps the users. 

Using a Professional Solution to Transfer Data from MSSQL to MySQL Seamlessly

We will now use a solution that will help users migrate the data more efficiently. The solution we will be using is the SQL Server to MySQL Migration Tool. A solution that allows users to effectively carry out the entire migration process in much secure and precise way.

Download Now Purchase Now

Furthermore, this solution also helps users to repair a damaged or corrupted files before migration and then proceed to migrate to MySQL Database. Here are the steps that will allow the users to move data in a much convenient way.

1. Install and run the suggested software. Click on Open button to add MDF file.
2. Choose Quick or Advance Scan mode to scan for any damage or corruption in database. 
3. After the scan, a preview will be offered to users to verify the data. 
4. Click on Export button to initiate the migration process. 
5. In the Export to/as window, choose the MySQL Database option as destination. 
6. Add the database credentials to proceed with the transfer process. 
7. Select the database objects for migration and further click on export button to migrate data.

By following these steps, we can seamlessly migrate the data. This will allow the database administrators to not only transfer the data from MS SQL, but also help them with easy data accessibility in the MySQL Environment. 

Conclusion

With the help of this technical blog, we have learned about the need to transfer data from MSSQL to MySQL. Furthermore, we have discussed the best ways to help with this migration. So, if you are wondering how to migrate data from Microsoft SQL Server to MySQL or any other platform, this manual can help you with it.