Change InnoDB from Antelope to Barracuda?

[brt]

Are there any problems that could happen if we run:

SET GLOBAL innodb_file_format=Barracuda;​

This would be on a normal shared hosting server.

My understanding is that changing this setting, as well as innodb_file_format_max, to Barracuda only affects new tables created, and also, apparently, only those that need the advanced features of Barracuda. Is this correct?

Barracuda is only needed for a few accounts on the server, and I don't want to affect my other users' databases.

Currently innodb_file_format and innodb_file_format_max are set to Antelope, and the server is running MySQL 5.6.39. (I do plan on upgrading to 5.7 soon.)

 

[cPanelMichael]

Hello @brt,

It only affects new tables, however with such a change I still recommend backing up your databases beforehand. Here's my response from a similiar inquiry on an existing thread:

Changing the default format in your /etc/my.cnf file should only apply to new tables, and does not erase databases or tables. The configuration option is documented at:

MySQL :: InnoDB 1.1 for MySQL 5.5 User's Guide :: 8.1 The Barracuda File Format

It's important to review the documentation because there are some instances (e.g. MySQL 5.1) where using this file format could make your databases inaccessible. Also, if you plan to switch over to MariaDB, you may want to continue using the Antelope file format for InnoDB if you use replication functionality:

XtraDB/InnoDB File Format

Thank you.