Hello,
We are glad to announce that, starting today, you now have the option to use MySQL 8 databases with your applications.
You don't have to worry about your existing MySQL 5 databases; we are not removing MySQL 5 anytime soon. We are just upgrading the hosting environment with the option to use a newer version of MySQL that comes with security and performance improvements.
What's New in MySQL 8?
MySQL 8 brings a lot of new features, and it deprecates and removes some as well. You can find more information on the official website:
How Does the New MySQL Setup Work?
We have two separate MySQL instances running simultaneously - MySQL 5 and MySQL 8. From the hosting Control Panel > MySQL Databases section, you can choose which version to use for each new database you create and manage. You can have both MySQL 5 and MySQL 8 databases at the same time, but each database is separate and depends on the MySQL version chosen at creation time. This is the case with MySQL users as well - you need to create a new MySQL 8 user to access a MySQL 8 database with it. Тhe name of the main MySQL user remains the same for both MySQL versions, but for MySQL 8 we automatically set a random secure password that you need to change if you want to use the main user with the new MySQL version.
The data for each MySQL version can be backed up and restored separately via the Backup and Restore sections in the Control Panel. There is also a separate phpMyAdmin tool for each MySQL version.
Our 1-click software installation platform App Installer will use MySQL 8 for all new installations. With our WordPress installation tool, you will be able to select the desired MySQL version for each new WordPress installation.
How to Use MySQL 8?
MySQL 8 is available only for new databases, and you can easily choose the new MySQL version from the "Select MySQL version" section when creating a database from the Control Panel > MySQL Databases. Make sure you create a corresponding MySQL 8 user for the new database, with sufficient privileges to access and manage it. The new MySQL version uses a separate port (3308) and socket (/tmp/mysql8.sock).
How to Upgrade a MySQL 5 Database to MySQL 8?
To convert an existing database from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, you should first create a new MySQL 8 database. Then, back up/export the MySQL 5 database and import it in the new one.
You will also need to update the configuration of the software which you want to connect to the MySQL 8 database. Make sure you change the values for MySQL database, username, password, and server/host accordingly.
What Happens With MySQL 5?
We will keep supporting and updating MySQL 5.7 on our servers. However, MySQL 5.7 will reach EOL (end of life) in October, 2023. Thus, we would strongly recommend you use MySQL 8 for new databases and consider upgrading your MySQL 5 databases in the near future.
The new MySQL version is already available to all hosting plans on all servers at no extra cost.
Best regards,