/

/

MySQL to PostgreSQL Converter - Free Online Tool 2025 | AI2sql

Content

MySQL to PostgreSQL Converter - Free Online Tool 2025 | AI2sql

MySQL to PostgreSQL Converter - Free Online Tool 2025

Transitioning from MySQL to PostgreSQL is a critical step for teams seeking advanced features, better standards compliance, and open-source flexibility. Yet, converting MySQL databases to PostgreSQL is far from straightforward: differences in SQL dialects, data types, index definitions, and function syntaxes can introduce subtle errors and major compatibility roadblocks. Manual conversion can be tedious, error-prone, and slow, especially when dealing with production environments.

AI2sql turns complex MySQL-to-PostgreSQL migration into a seamless process—use simple English prompts and let AI2sql generate correct, optimized PostgreSQL queries tailored for your target schema. Skip manual rewrites and eliminate conversion errors with a platform trusted by 50,000+ developers for cross-database migrations.

MySQL to PostgreSQL Migration Overview

MySQL and PostgreSQL are both leading open-source RDBMS, but their syntactic differences and feature sets can make direct migration difficult. Developers often face mismatched data types, incompatible functions, and non-standard SQL structures. A streamlined migration involves careful data type mapping, adapting schema definitions, and reworking procedural code—all while ensuring performance and data integrity.

Key Syntax Differences: MySQL vs PostgreSQL

Operation

MySQL Syntax

PostgreSQL Syntax

String Concatenation

CONCAT(col1, col2)

col1 || col2

Auto Increment

id INT AUTO_INCREMENT

id SERIAL

Limit & Offset

LIMIT 5, 10

LIMIT 10 OFFSET 5

IFNULL Function

IFNULL(a, b)

COALESCE(a, b)

Show Tables

SHOW TABLES;

\dt (PSQL) or
SELECT table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema='public';

Data Type Mapping Guide

MySQL Data Type

PostgreSQL Equivalent

INT

INTEGER

BIGINT

BIGINT

VARCHAR(n)

VARCHAR(n)

TEXT

TEXT

DATETIME

TIMESTAMP

BIT

BOOLEAN

AUTO_INCREMENT

SERIAL

ENUM

Use CHECK constraints
or a separate Lookup Table

Common Conversion Challenges

  • Data Type Mismatches: MySQL's TINYINT(1) often used as Boolean, while PostgreSQL has BOOLEAN type.

  • Reserved Keywords: MySQL code using unquoted keywords (e.g., user, order) can break in PostgreSQL without quotes.

  • Function Differences: String and date functions often differ or have no direct equivalents.

  • Auto Increment Differences: AUTO_INCREMENT vs SERIAL/GENERATED columns.

  • Case Sensitivity: PostgreSQL treats unquoted identifiers as lowercase, MySQL is case-insensitive by default.

  • Migration Tools Gaps: Many open-source tools only support partial conversion, requiring manual adjustments.

Step-by-Step Migration Process

  1. Assess Database Features: Check MySQL-specific features or extensions used in your existing schema.

  2. Schema Conversion: Export MySQL CREATE TABLE statements and convert syntax (data types, constraints, keys).

  3. Data Migration: Use mysqldump or ETL tools for exporting/importing data. Watch for encoding and NULL handling differences.

  4. Function & View Translation: Convert MySQL stored procedures, views, and triggers to PostgreSQL-compatible equivalents.

  5. Testing & Validation: Verify schema integrity, data consistency, and query correctness in PostgreSQL.

  6. Performance Tuning: Optimize indexes, constraints, and vacuum/analyze settings in PostgreSQL.

AI2sql: Generate PostgreSQL Queries from Natural Language

Manual conversion is slow and error-prone—especially for complex queries or large schemas. AI2sql lets you describe the query in plain English and immediately generates database-specific SQL for PostgreSQL with full MySQL-to-PostgreSQL compatibility. Supports all databases, requires zero SQL syntax knowledge, and delivers production-ready code instantly—trusted by developers and data teams worldwide. Learn more on the AI2sql platform.

MySQL to PostgreSQL Conversion Examples

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Description

String concatenation changes from CONCAT() to ||

AUTO_INCREMENT is replaced with SERIAL

IFNULL() becomes COALESCE()

LIMIT with OFFSET syntax conversion

INSERT IGNORE is mapped to ON CONFLICT DO NOTHING

Performance Considerations

  • Leverage PostgreSQL-specific indexing (GIN, GiST, BRIN) to boost search speed for complex data types.

  • Review query execution plans; PostgreSQL's optimizer differs from MySQL and may benefit from re-tuned indexes and rewritten joins.

  • Use batch or COPY insertion for large data sets for faster migration vs individual INSERTs.

  • Monitor transaction IDs and vacuum regularly for optimal performance and disk usage.

Schema Migration Best Practices

  • Explicitly define data types and NOT NULL constraints in your PostgreSQL schema.

  • Handle MySQL's ENUMs and SETs with PostgreSQL CHECK constraints or referenced tables.

  • Translate foreign keys and unique constraints carefully—syntax differs between systems.

  • Take advantage of PostgreSQL's advanced features: custom types, array columns, and composite keys for future-proofed models.

Testing and Validation

  • Run sample queries and cross-compare results between MySQL and PostgreSQL.

  • Use checksums or record counts to ensure data integrity post-migration.

  • Test application layer compatibility—some ORMs require syntax tweaks for PostgreSQL.

Rollback Strategies

  • Keep backups of both schemas and data before starting migration.

  • Use transactional DDL where supported, or wrap critical steps in explicit savepoints.

  • Develop a clear fallback plan for reverting applications to MySQL in case of migration issues.

Troubleshooting Common Conversion Errors

  • Identifier Case Errors: Add quotes for mixed-case or reserved word identifiers.

  • Syntax Errors: Review auto-generated SQL carefully—functions like NOW() and CURDATE() are supported differently.

  • Date or Timestamp Issues: Adjust date/time formats to PostgreSQL standards, account for timezone differences.

  • Unsupported Features: Some MySQL-specific features (e.g., ON UPDATE CURRENT_TIMESTAMP) require custom triggers in PostgreSQL.

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

Why Choose AI2sql for MySQL to PostgreSQL Migration?

  • Error-free SQL generation: Converts tricky functions, joins, constraints, and more in one click.

  • Supports all major SQL dialects: Including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, and more.

  • No syntax knowledge required: Focus on your data logic; let AI2sql handle translation details.

  • Instant results: Go from English description to valid PostgreSQL SQL in seconds.

  • Enterprise-grade accuracy: Trusted by over 50,000 developers globally.

Ready to simplify your MySQL to PostgreSQL migration? Minimize downtime and reduce conversion risk with AI2sql—the intelligent SQL generator built for seamless, cross-database transformation.

Try AI2sql Free - Generate PostgreSQL Queries from Plain English

Further resources:

Share this

More Articles