/

/

SQL Server to MySQL Converter - Free Migration Tool 2025 | AI2sql

Content

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

  1. Assess your schema & dependencies: Inventory all tables, views, functions, and integrations.

  2. Export SQL Server schema: Use SQL Server Management Studio or scripts to extract schema with constraints.

  3. Map and convert schema: Apply data type, index, primary key, and unique constraint mappings.

  4. Export and transform data: Export to CSV or flat files, convert formats/encodings as needed.

  5. Import into MySQL: Use MySQL Workbench, CLI, or tools to load data and validate.

  6. 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.

Share this

More Articles