MySQL to BigQuery Converter - Free Online Tool 2025

Modern data teams often need to migrate from MySQL to Google BigQuery to power analytics at cloud-scale. MySQL, built for OLTP workloads, differs significantly from BigQuery's serverless, analytics-optimized SQL engine. This migration is not as simple as copying tables or running existing queries in the cloud. Pain points like syntax incompatibilities, differing data types, and unique BigQuery functions make manual conversion time-consuming and error-prone. AI2sql provides an intelligent alternative: generate accurate BigQuery queries from your business logic in plain English, speeding up migration while avoiding subtle errors.

MySQL to BigQuery Migration Overview

Moving from MySQL to BigQuery is a strategic decision for organizations seeking elastic scalability and real-time analytics. This process involves:

• Translating MySQL DDL, DML, and procedural SQL to BigQuery-compatible syntax

• Mapping data types for lossless data transfer

• Refactoring queries using BigQuery functions and features

• Ensuring security, cost, and performance best practices

Choosing the right MySQL to BigQuery migration tool is essential for a smooth transition—AI2sql automates SQL conversion, reducing risk and manual effort.

Key Syntax Differences: MySQL vs BigQuery

The following table showcases the most important syntax differences to consider during migration:

Data Type Mapping Guide

Mapping MySQL data types to BigQuery equivalents prevents data loss and ensures query reliability. Below are common type translations:

Common Conversion Challenges

• Syntax errors: MySQL-specific statements (ENGINE, AUTO_INCREMENT) need refactoring.

• Data type incompatibilities: Some MySQL types like ENUM or SET have no direct BigQuery equivalent.

• Stored Procedures: BigQuery does not natively support procedural routines in the same way.

• Functions & expressions: MySQL uses NOW() vs BigQuery's CURRENT_TIMESTAMP(); LIMIT is universal but table referencing differs (dataset.table).

AI2sql solves these by generating database-specific SQL code from intent, removing guesswork and manual rewrites.

Step-by-Step Migration Process

1. Schema Export: Export MySQL schema (mysqldump --no-data).

2. Data Export: Export data as CSV or AVRO for import.

3. Transform DDL: Convert MySQL DDL to BigQuery DDL (map data types, handle auto-increment, constraints).

4. Import to BigQuery: Use BigQuery Data Transfer Service, bq CLI, or Google Cloud Console.

5. Refactor Queries: Rewrite queries and views using BigQuery syntax. AI2sql accelerates this process with natural language query generation.

6. Test & Validate: Compare outputs and check for data consistency and performance.

AI2sql: Generate BigQuery Queries from Natural Language

AI2sql empowers teams to:

• Describe desired output in natural language (e.g., Show top 5 products by sales last month)

• Generate production-ready BigQuery SQL—no syntax or conversion knowledge required

• Eliminate trial-and-error and reduce SQL errors

Skip manual conversion - Generate BigQuery queries instantly with AI2sql using natural language.

Performance Considerations

• No indexes in BigQuery: Instead, optimize partitioning and clustering for faster scans

• Query cost awareness: BigQuery charges per data scanned; refactor queries to avoid SELECT *

• Batch loading: Use batch imports for large data sets instead of row-by-row insertions

Schema Migration Best Practices

• Use standardized naming (lowercase, underscores)

• Document table, column, and partition design upfront

• Test DDL in staging datasets before production deployment

Testing and Validation

• Run sample queries in both MySQL and BigQuery, comparing results

• Check for null handling, data truncation, and timestamp precision

• Automate validation with test scripts or data diff tools

Rollback Strategies

• Keep MySQL datasets readonly until BigQuery migration is fully validated

• Backup all raw MySQL data locally and to Google Cloud Storage

• Document all migration steps for repeatability and audit

Cloud-Specific Features and Syntax

• Use STRUCT and ARRAY types in BigQuery for nested/semi-structured data

• Leverage BigQuery UDFs for custom logic

• Integrate with Google Data Studio and Looker for reporting

Cost Optimization Tips

• Partition tables by date for efficient scans

• Use clustering on frequently filtered columns

• Schedule data deletion for expired/archived records

Security and Compliance

• Control access via IAM roles for datasets/tables

• Enable audit logs on BigQuery access

• Comply with GDPR, HIPAA by using authorized views and data masking features

Troubleshooting Common Conversion Errors

• Column not found: Check that case and dataset references match

• Data truncation: Ensure correct type mapping (e.g., avoid VARCHAR(255) becoming too short for BigQuery STRING longevity)

• Unknown function: Replace MySQL-only functions with BigQuery equivalents (see table below)

• Access denied: Update dataset/table permissions in the GCP IAM console

Conversion Examples: MySQL vs BigQuery

5+ Practical Conversion Examples

• Basic SELECT:
  MySQL: SELECT name FROM employees WHERE department = 'Sales';
  BigQuery: SELECT name FROM employees WHERE department = 'Sales';

• LIMIT and OFFSET:
  MySQL: SELECT * FROM logs ORDER BY time DESC LIMIT 10 OFFSET 20;
  BigQuery: SELECT * FROM logs ORDER BY time DESC LIMIT 10 OFFSET 20;

• String operations:
  MySQL: SELECT CONCAT('Order: ', order_id) FROM orders;
  BigQuery: SELECT CONCAT('Order: ', CAST(order_id AS STRING)) FROM orders;

• CASE statement:
  MySQL: SELECT CASE WHEN age >= 18 THEN 'Adult' ELSE 'Minor' END FROM users;
  BigQuery: SELECT CASE WHEN age >= 18 THEN 'Adult' ELSE 'Minor' END FROM users;

• Function translation (NOW vs CURRENT_TIMESTAMP):
  MySQL: SELECT NOW();
  BigQuery: SELECT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP();

• GROUP_CONCAT to STRING_AGG:
  MySQL: SELECT GROUP_CONCAT(name) FROM items;
  BigQuery: SELECT STRING_AGG(name) FROM items;

Why Use AI2sql for MySQL to BigQuery Migration?

• Supports all major databases: Instantly convert between MySQL, BigQuery, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and more.

• No syntax knowledge required: Describe reports or requirements in ordinary language.

• Error-free conversion: Built-in validation and type mapping ensure reliable SQL.

• Instant results: Skip tedious manual rewrite—with AI2sql platform, you can focus on data and insights instead of syntax debugging.

• Trusted by 50,000+ developers: Enterprise-grade accuracy backed by real migration experience.

Ready to migrate smarter? Try AI2sql Free - Generate BigQuery Queries from Plain English

Related Resources

• Try AI2sql BigQuery Generator

• BigQuery SQL Tutorial

• MySQL Migration Tools