Question
Is it possible to replace MySQL with MariaDB and vice versa?
Answer
It is highly dependent on the MySQL/MariaDB versions and OS type. Each such scenario should be reviewed separately before making any changes on the server.
MariaDB is considered to be a drop-in replacement for the corresponding MySQL version (i.e. MariaDB 10.2 and MySQL 5.7).
There is no support for in-place replacement to MySQL if the server already runs MariaDB. It is always recommended to use the OS-provided packages whenever possible.
Please check the following before making any decision:
- In almost any case when it is required to have different database server types for customers' databases, the recommended solution is to use a Docker container to host separate MySQL or MariaDB instance in Plesk and add it as an external SQL database server using IP address 127.0.0.1 and the external Docker port. Alternatively, the required MySQL/MariaDB running on a remote server can be added as an external database.
- Please review feature differences between MariaDB and MySQL to make sure the switch won't affect applications using database server. If application installation requirements mention that both MySQL/MariaDB are supported like WordPress for example, switch should not make any harm.
- The procedure should be performed by a system administrator. Or you can refer to Plesk Professional Services services for in-place replacement of Mysql to MariaDB, if supported, so they can perform this task for you.