How to connect to MySQL Database to C#

Connect C# to MySQL

How to connect mysql databse to c# application

To establish a connection between a C# application and a MySQL database, MySQL offers a comprehensive set of classes within the MySQL Connector/Net. All intercommunication between the C# application and the MySQL server is channeled through a specialized MySqlConnection Object. As a prerequisite, prior to enabling communication with the server, the application is required to instantiate, configure, and successfully open a MySqlConnection object.

Download MySQL Connector/Net

You can download MySQL Connector/Net from Mysql developer website free of cost. Click the following link.... Download MySQL Connector/Net

Add Reference

Before commencing the process of connecting your application to MySql, it is imperative to include the required MySQL Reference in your project. To accomplish this, simply right-click on your project name, then proceed to select "Add Reference," followed by choosing "MySql.Data" from the list of available references. This action ensures the necessary MySQL libraries are accessible for the successful integration of the database within your application.

How to add mysql database reference to c# application

Next, you need to add MySql Library in your C# project.

using MySql.Data.MySqlClient;

C# MySQL connection string

string myConnectionString = "server=localhost;database=testDB;uid=root;pwd=abc123;";

The following C# Program is used to create a MySqlConnection object, assign the connection string, and open the connection.

using System; using System.Windows.Forms; using MySql.Data.MySqlClient; namespace WindowsApplication1 { public partial class Form1 : Form { public Form1() { InitializeComponent(); } private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e) { string connetionString = null; MySqlConnection cnn ; connetionString = "server=localhost;database=testDB;uid=root;pwd=abc123;"; cnn = new MySqlConnection(connetionString); try { cnn.Open(); MessageBox.Show ("Connection Open ! "); cnn.Close(); } catch (Exception ex) { MessageBox.Show("Can not open connection ! "); } } } }

Multiple servers

How to connect mysql Multiple database to .Net application

The following connection string will needed when connect to a server in a replicated server configuration without concern on which server to use.

myConnectionString = Server=server1, server2;database=testDB;uid=root;pwd=abc123;";

Specifying TCP port

myConnectionString="Server=myServerAddress;Port=1234;Database=testDB;Uid=root;Pwd=abc123;

The defaqult MySql port is 3306 and if you use Unix socket the value will ignored.

Microsoft products

MySQL Connector/Net does not support Express versions of Microsoft products, including Microsoft Visual Web Developer (now known as Visual Studio Community). The MySQL Connector/Net is designed to work with the full versions of Microsoft products, such as Visual Studio Professional and Visual Studio Enterprise.

If you are using the Express version of Visual Studio (e.g., Visual Studio Community Edition), you can still work with MySQL databases using alternative methods. One common approach is to use Entity Framework Core, which is a lightweight, open-source ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) framework that supports various database providers, including MySQL.

To work with MySQL in a Visual Studio Community Edition or other Express versions, you can follow these steps:

  1. Install MySQL Connector/Net: Even though the Connector/Net does not officially support Express versions, you can still download and install the Connector/Net separately from the MySQL website. This will provide the necessary ADO.NET driver for connecting to MySQL databases.
  2. Use Entity Framework Core: Entity Framework Core is a cross-platform ORM that allows you to work with databases in a more abstract and code-focused manner. You can install the MySQL provider for Entity Framework Core using NuGet packages and then use EF Core for database operations.
  3. Configure Entity Framework Core: After installing the MySQL provider for EF Core, you need to configure your application to use MySQL as the database provider in the DbContext.
  4. Connect to MySQL: With the configuration in place, you can connect to your MySQL database and perform database operations using the DbContext and LINQ queries.

For the most current and up-to-date information on MySQL Connector/Net and its compatibility with different versions of Microsoft products, including Visual Studio Community Edition, it is recommended to refer to the official MySQL documentation and relevant Microsoft resources. Additionally, consider checking for any updates or changes in compatibility with future releases of both MySQL Connector/Net and Microsoft products.