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SQL Server to MySQL Converter - Free Migration Tool 2025 | AI2sql
SQL Server to MySQL Converter - Free Online Tool 2025
If you're planning a SQL Server to MySQL migration, you're likely familiar with the challenges: incompatible data types, distinct SQL dialects, and risk of manual errors. Even straightforward queries often break due to subtle syntax variations, and enterprise environments add migration complexity. AI2sql eliminates these headaches — just describe the logic you need, and instantly generate MySQL-ready queries optimized for your database. No tedious rewriting, no lost productivity.
SQL Server to MySQL Migration Overview
Transferring databases from SQL Server to MySQL is a common scenario for enterprises seeking open-source flexibility, cost savings, and modern stack integration. However, T-SQL (used in SQL Server) and MySQL SQL dialects differ significantly, requiring careful conversion of schemas, queries, and stored logic. Common migration drivers include:
Legacy system modernization
Cloud or hybrid-cloud adoption
Licensing or performance optimization
AI2sql streamlines SQL Server to MySQL migrations, auto-converting code and ensuring data integrity throughout the process.
Key Syntax Differences: SQL Server vs MySQL
Understanding SQL dialect differences is crucial for a smooth migration. Below is a quick syntax comparison:
Operation | SQL Server | MySQL |
---|---|---|
Auto-Increment | IDENTITY(1,1) | AUTO_INCREMENT |
String Concatenation | + | CONCAT() |
Limit Rows | SELECT TOP N ... | SELECT ... LIMIT N |
Current Date | GETDATE() | NOW() |
Variables | @var | @var or session variables |
Manual conversion is error-prone and time intensive. AI2sql supports both SQL Server and MySQL, ensuring safe, accurate conversions for any query.
Data Type Mapping Guide
Some SQL Server data types have no direct MySQL equivalent and require mapping:
SQL Server | MySQL Equivalent |
---|---|
BIT | TINYINT(1) or BOOLEAN |
DATETIME, DATETIME2 | DATETIME |
NVARCHAR | VARCHAR/CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 |
UNIQUEIDENTIFIER | CHAR(36) |
MONEY | DECIMAL(19,4) |
Automate correct mapping with AI2sql platform to avoid silent data errors and type mismatches.
Common Conversion Challenges
Stored Procedures & Triggers: T-SQL constructs may have no direct MySQL equivalent or require full syntax rewrite.
Date and string functions: Function signatures and behavior differ (e.g., GETDATE() vs NOW(), string parsing).
Identifier quotes: SQL Server: [Column], MySQL: `Column`
Transaction handling: Differences in transaction isolation and locking mechanisms may impact logic.
Collation & character sets: Unicode support, sorting, and comparisons require careful settings in MySQL.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
Assess your schema & dependencies: Inventory all tables, views, functions, and integrations.
Export SQL Server schema: Use SQL Server Management Studio or scripts to extract schema with constraints.
Map and convert schema: Apply data type, index, primary key, and unique constraint mappings.
Export and transform data: Export to CSV or flat files, convert formats/encodings as needed.
Import into MySQL: Use MySQL Workbench, CLI, or tools to load data and validate.
Recreate stored logic: Rewrite and test functions, procedures, and triggers in MySQL.
Want to automate SQL translations? Skip manual conversion - Generate MySQL queries instantly with AI2sql using natural language.
AI2sql: Generate MySQL Queries from Natural Language
AI2sql takes the guesswork out of SQL Server to MySQL migration. Describe your query in plain English, and AI2sql outputs fully compliant MySQL statements — compatible with your modernized stack. No syntax expertise required. Trusted by 50,000+ developers. Supports 15+ databases.
Conversion Examples: SQL Server vs MySQL
Use Case | SQL Server | MySQL |
---|---|---|
1. Limit Query Results | ||
2. Auto-Increment Columns | ||
3. Get Current Date/Time | ||
4. String Concatenation | ||
5. Case Statement | ||
6. LEFT JOIN with Table Aliases | ||
7. Data Type Conversion |
Troubleshooting Common Conversion Errors
Data Truncation: Ensure target column sizes and character sets match the source.
Reserved Words: MySQL may require backticks around identifiers; check all object names.
Foreign Key Failures: Confirm referenced tables, datatypes, and indexes exist before applying constraints.
Function Not Supported: Replace unsupported functions (e.g., TRY_CAST) with MySQL equivalents.
Command Timeouts: Large data loads may require batch processing or increased timeouts.
Performance Optimization Tips After Migration
Review and add indexes for frequently queried columns
Partition large tables where applicable (MySQL supports partitioning)
Analyze and optimize queries for MySQL execution plans
Use utf8mb4 for full Unicode support
Configure InnoDB engine for transaction and ACID compliance
Migration Rollback Strategies
Perform migration on a cloned or test environment
Take full SQL Server backups before any changes
Test data integrity and application compatibility before go-live
Have downtime and rollback plans for quick restoration
Schema Migration Best Practices
Normalize schema before migration to reduce complexity
Use consistent naming conventions (avoid SQL Server brackets, use backticks in MySQL)
Review all constraints, indexes, and triggers for compatibility
Leverage AI2sql to test translated schema and queries
Testing and Validation
Manually validate row counts and key column values after migration
Run sample queries and compare results between old and new systems
Check for silent truncation, type mismatches, or rounding differences
Use automated tools for regression and consistency testing
Ready to start your migration? Skip error-prone manual conversion — generate production-ready MySQL queries from English with AI2sql.
Conclusion: Migrate SQL Server to MySQL the Smart Way
SQL Server to MySQL migration doesn't need to be overwhelming. With mismatched data types, syntax conflicts, and the risk of overlooked errors, manual migration slows down innovation. The AI2sql platform eliminates these roadblocks. Instantly convert queries, map data types, and build modern MySQL applications — all using simple English prompts. Stop juggling documentation and risky hand-written conversions. Try AI2sql Free - Generate MySQL Queries from Plain English and accelerate your database migration today.
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