Essential NuGet Packages for .NET Developers Using MySQL

MySQL is a popular open-source relational database widely used in .NET applications. Choosing the right NuGet package for MySQL database integration can enhance performance, security, and ease of development. Below are the essential NuGet packages for .NET developers using MySQL.

ADO·NET Providers for MySQL

MySql.Data

MySql.Data is the official ADO·NET connector for MySQL, developed and maintained by Oracle. It provides a fully managed MySQL driver that allows .NET applications to communicate with MySQL databases efficiently.

Features:

• Fully managed ADO·NET provider for MySQL

• Supports MySQL Server features such as stored procedures and transactions

• Compatible with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5+

Installation:

Install-Package MySql.Data

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySql.Data/

MySqlConnector

MySqlConnector is a lightweight, high-performance alternative to MySql.Data, designed to improve connection efficiency and scalability for .NET applications.

Features:

• Fully async ADO·NET implementation for MySQL

• Faster and more reliable than the official MySQL driver

• Supports high-performance connection pooling and SSL/TLS encryption

Installation:

Install-Package MySqlConnector

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySqlConnector/

Devart.Data.MySql

Devart.Data.MySql is a third-party ADO·NET provider for MySQL that offers advanced features such as direct database connectivity without requiring a MySQL client.

Features:

• Direct mode for MySQL database access

• Optimized performance for large-scale applications

• Secure connections with SSL and SSH tunneling support

Installation:

Install-Package Devart.Data.MySql

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Devart.Data.MySql/

Entity Framework Providers for MySQL

Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql

Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql is an open-source Entity Framework Core provider for MySQL, offering robust ORM support for MySQL databases.

Features:

• Full compatibility with Entity Framework Core

• LINQ support for querying MySQL databases

• Optimized for cross-platform .NET applications

Installation:

Install-Package Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql/

MySql.Data.EntityFramework

MySql.Data.EntityFramework is an Entity Framework 6 provider for MySQL, enabling seamless ORM support for .NET Framework applications.

Features:

• Entity Framework 6 compatibility for MySQL

• Support for Code-First and Database-First approaches

• Designed for .NET Framework applications

Installation:

Install-Package MySql.Data.EntityFramework

Link:

https://www.nuget.org/packages/MySql.Data.EntityFramework/

Conclusion

Selecting the best MySQL NuGet package for your .NET project depends on your development needs:

• MySql.Data is the official provider for standard ADO·NET connectivity.

• MySqlConnector offers a lightweight, high-performance alternative.

• Devart.Data.MySql provides additional features and direct MySQL access.

• Pomelo.EntityFrameworkCore.MySql is the best choice for EF Core users.

• MySql.Data.EntityFramework supports Entity Framework 6 for .NET Framework applications.

Each package enhances MySQL database integration in .NET applications, ensuring efficient data management and improved performance.