# Migrating from MySQL to SQL Server: A Comprehensive Tutorial

In a data-driven world we live, migration from one database to another such as MySQL to SQL Server is a common need. The reasons for that may vary: a performance boost, better integration, compliance, or the alignment with the business strategy or technology stack. We can't be sure which reason drives you, however in this tutorial we will guide through the MySQL to SQL Server migration process and provide you with the options to choose: migration by using the ODBC driver, such as devart [MySQL ODBC driver](https://www.devart.com/odbc/mysql/), and through the cloud data integration platform such as [Skyvia](skyvia.com).

## Why Migrate From MySQL to SQL Server?

If you are still not sure whether you need to migrate your data from MySQL to SQL Server here are some reasons to consider.

**Technical Features**: SQL Server provides a broader range of built-in analytical functions, including window functions, ranking, and time-series analysis. It integrates with R and Python for machine learning and predictive analytics.

**Performance**: In-Memory OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) is a premier technology available in SQL Server and SQL Database. It optimizes performance for transaction processing, data ingestion, data load, and transient data scenarios.

**Business Strategy**: SQL Server works best with Windows environments, optimized for performance and scalability in large-scale deployments, and offers advanced features like partitioning, parallel query execution, and resource governance.

**Ecosystem and Integration**: being a part of Microsoft ecosystem SQL Server seamlessly integrates with Azure services, Power BI, and Office products.

**Compliance and Security**: SQL Server provides a column-Level protection with data encryption, dynamic data masking and row-level security. SQL Server offers various plugins for authentication and authorization and provides continuos monitoring, data protection and auditing.

## Migrating MySQL to SQL Server Using ODBC Driver

An ODBC driver allows other applications to interact with databases through the ODBC interface. It acts as a bridge between the application and the DBMS, enabling data retrieval, execution of SQL statements, and more.

Migrating from MySQL to SQL Server using ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) involves several steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

### 1. Install MySQL ODBC Driver

Download and install the MySQL ODBC driver on the machine where SQL Server is installed. You can download the devart MySQL ODBC driver [here](https://www.devart.com/odbc/mysql/)

### 2: Create a DSN

1. Go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Data Sources (ODBC).
2. Navigate to **System DSN** and click the **Add**.
3. Choose the MySQL ODBC driver from the list and click **Finish**.
4. Enter the necessary details such as server name, database name, username, and password to connect to your MySQL database.
5. Click **OK** to save the DSN.

Once the ODBC DSN is set up, it allows applications, including MySQL export tools, to connect to the MySQL database through the ODBC driver. The export tool can then use this ODBC connection to access the MySQL database and export the data into a SQL script or dump file.

### 3: Export MySQL Data

1. Use MySQL's export tools like `mysqldump` or a MySQL GUI tool to export your MySQL database as a SQL script or dump file.
2. If you use `mysqldump`, you can run a command like:

   mysqldump -u username -p database_name > dump.sql

### 4: Import Data into SQL Server

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on the machine where SQL Server is installed.
2. Connect to your SQL Server instance.
3. Create a new database where you'll import the MySQL data, if necessary.
4. Open a new query window.
5. Use SQL Server's `sqlcmd` utility to execute the SQL script generated from MySQL.
6. Execute the script using the following command:

   sqlcmd -U username -P password -S server_name -d database_name -i dump.sql

Replace `username`, `password`, `server_name`, and `database_name` with appropriate values.
7. Alternatively, you can open the SQL script in SSMS and execute it directly.

## Cloud Migrating from MySQL to SQL Server Using Skyvia

With Skyvia you can import data from MySQL to SQL Server in a three easy steps: create a Connection to SQL Server, create a connections to MySQL, create and run Import integration. To proceed with the steps described below you need a Skyvia account. You can create it for free [here](https://skyvia.com/).

### Create a Connection to MySQL

To connect a connection to MySQL in Skyvia:

1. Go to **New** > **Connection**
2. Choose **MySQL**
3. Specify the database server host name, port, user name and password, and the
4. Click **Create Connection**

Optionally you can use the SSL and SSH connections to MySQL.

### Create a Conenction to SQL Server

To connect a connection to MySQL in Skyvia:

1. Go to **New** > **Connection**
2. Choose **SQL Server**
3. Specify the database server host name, port, user name and password, and the
4. Click **Create Connection**

Optionally you can use the SSL and SSH connections to SQL Server.

### Create Import Integration

1. Go to **New > Import**.
2. Choose **Data Source** source type.
3. Select MySQL as **Source** and SQL Server as **Target**.
4. Click **Add new** to add a new import task. You can add any number of import tasks to your intergration.
5. Select the table to import data from and click **Next**.
6. Select the table to import data to and click **Next**.
7. Map the fields in Source and Target. Skyvia will try to map fields automatically.
8. Save and Run the import integration. Additionally, you can create a schedule for the automated runs of your integration.

On the monitoring tab you can check the progress of your Import and check the previous Import logs and details.

### Get More With Skyvia

Import is not the only tool Skyvia provides. When you choose Skyvia, you can rely on a set of products that help you with the data management, movement, and automation. With Skyvia you can set up the backups, and restores, build data pipelines, automate your workflows and create connectivity endpoints. To learn more about the functionality provided by Skyvia, visit the official [Skyvia website](skyvia.com).

## Conclusion

There are several methods that might be used to migrate data from MySQL to SQL Server. If you need to create a full dump of your database, the migration though the odbc driver creation may fit you best. Otherwise, the no-code cloud solution with a simple and friendly UI such as Skyvia can help you to migrate your data fast while providing additional functionalities that can be used to fulfill future needs.