MySQL version 5.7 will reach end-of-life status in October 2023
The widely used MySQL version 5.7 is approaching its end-of-life (EOL) phase, scheduled for October 2023. This transition means that official support for MySQL 5.7 will cease, and the focus will shift entirely to MySQL 8.0.
So, what does this mean for you? If your website falls within the 75% of WordPress sites still running MySQL 5.7 or older, it's crucial to take necessary measures to safeguard your site against heightened security risks once the support for 5.7 ends. Additionally, you should ensure that your website is prepared for an upgrade to MySQL 8.0.
While this update carries significant importance, by equipping yourself with accurate information and timely preparations, you can have peace of mind knowing that your site operates on the most current versions of its underlying software.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a widely used open-source relational database management system that is employed by millions of websites for storing, managing, and retrieving structured data. It is a popular choice for various applications, from small personal websites to large-scale enterprise systems.
MySQL supports multiple programming languages and is utilized in dynamic web applications, content management systems (CMSs), eCommerce platforms, and more. In the case of WordPress, the CMS relies on a combination of PHP and MySQL, where PHP handles server-side processing and MySQL manages data storage and retrieval.
MySQL's version history dates back to 1995, with MySQL 5.7 being a widely adopted version released in 2015. However, MySQL 5.7 will reach its End-of-Life status in October 2023, after which it will no longer receive official support, including security patches and upgrades. This emphasizes the importance of upgrading to the most recent version, MySQL 8.0, which provides optimization and enhanced protection against various threats.
Why is MySQL 5.7 reaching End of Life status?
MySQL 5.7 is reaching its End-of-Life status due to the standard support timeline followed by MySQL. Starting from 2010, each version of MySQL has received official support for approximately eight years after its general availability.
MySQL 5.7, which was released in October 2015, will reach its end-of-life status in October 2023. This means that as of November 1st, 2023, MySQL 5.7 will no longer receive official support, including security patches and upgrades. Without ongoing support, using MySQL 5.7 could leave your site vulnerable to potential security threats.
To ensure that your site remains optimized for the future and well-protected against a wider range of threats, it is recommended to upgrade to the most current version of MySQL, which is version 8.0. Upgrading to MySQL 8.0 will provide you with the latest features, improvements, and security enhancements, keeping your site up-to-date and better prepared to handle evolving challenges.
Will this change be widespread?
Yes, the upcoming End of Life (EOL) status for MySQL 5.7 will have a significant impact and will be widespread, particularly within the WordPress ecosystem. MySQL serves as the default database management system for over 90% of all WordPress sites, highlighting its critical role in the platform's functioning.
Of the WordPress sites using MySQL, more than 75% currently rely on MySQL 5.7 or an older version. Therefore, the EOL of MySQL 5.7 will affect a large number of websites, potentially leaving them without official support and security updates.
In response to this change, THOBSON, a hosting platform, is proactively addressing the situation. Websites hosted on THOBSON's platform currently use MySQL 5.7 and will be upgraded to MySQL 8.0 before November 1st. THOBSON is actively assisting its customers with the necessary transition by providing tools that enable them to assess their site's readiness for the upgrade.
By upgrading to MySQL 8.0 and ensuring compatibility, website owners can continue to operate their websites with the latest supported database version, maintaining optimal performance and security.
What benefits can I expect to see after upgrading to MySQL 8.0?
Upgrading to MySQL 8.0 offers numerous benefits, as the latest version introduces significant functionality and performance enhancements. Here are some key improvements:
Improved Code Organization and Readability: MySQL 8.0 introduces new SQL features such as SQL Window Functions, Common Table Expressions, and enhanced JSON capability. It also includes options like NOWAIT and SKIP LOCKED for better control and concurrency handling in transactional scenarios.
Enhanced Reliability: MySQL 8.0 enhances reliability by making Data Definition Language (DDL) statements atomic and crash-safe. Metadata is stored in a single, transactional data dictionary powered by the InnoDB storage engine.
Greater Observability and Manageability: MySQL 8.0 provides better observability through significant improvements in Performance Schema, Information Schema, Configuration Variables, and Error Logging. It also offers remote management capabilities, undo tablespace management, and instant DDL for improved manageability.
Enhanced Security: MySQL 8.0 is the only version with active, official support, making it the most secure option. It includes OpenSSL improvements, a new default authentication method, the introduction of SQL Roles, password strength enhancements, and other features that strengthen database security.
Improved Performance: MySQL 8.0 leverages the InnoDB storage engine as the default option, delivering better performance for Read/Write workloads, IO-bound workloads, and high contention "hot spot" workloads. The Resource Group feature allows users to optimize specific workloads on specific hardware by mapping user threads to CPUs.
These enhancements in MySQL 8.0 ensure improved functionality, performance, reliability, security, and manageability. To explore the complete range of enhancements, you can refer to the official documentation for MySQL 8.0.
https://dev.mysql.com/blog-archive/whats-new-in-mysql-8-0-generally-available/
Can THOBSON help me with this?
THOBSON is dedicated to delivering exceptional support and assistance to its users. If you have any inquiries or require guidance, their team of experts is readily available to assist you. To obtain the support you need, you can directly contact a THOBSON representative.
In the event that you encounter site code-related issues that may exceed the scope of THOBSON's support, they offer an extensive agency partner directory. This directory consists of trusted professionals and agencies who specialize in providing tailored assistance for your specific requirements. Collaborating with these agency partners can serve as a valuable resource in resolving intricate code-related challenges and gaining further expert guidance.
Whether you prefer to receive direct support from THOBSON or engage with a trusted agency partner, THOBSON is committed to ensuring that you receive the necessary assistance to address any questions or issues pertaining to your website.
