What version of MariaDB on AlmaLinux 8 is recommended to migrate from MySQL 5.7?

[AndyB78]

Hello,

I need to migrate a shared hosting server (with many accounts on it) with MySQL 5.7 / CentOS 7. From what I read, migrating them to MySQL 8 is not recommended due to significant differences between 5.7 and 8.0 so I believe I will install cPanel with MariaDB.

Any recommendation for the exact version of Maria? 10.3, 10.5 or 10.6 (isn't this experimental?!)?

I wouldn't install 10.3 because it will be EoL in like 2 months but if 10.3 would ensure a seamless "Transfer tool" migration, than this is most important. I will pick the best MariaDB version for this purpose. But there is one more consideration...

Like with any other regular shared hosting server, I need to support as many old versions of PHP as possible so I'll do this with a combination of cPanel MultiPHP and especially CloudLinux PHP Selector (I believe the oldest one supported by CL on Alma is 5.3). The base OS will be AlmaLinux 8.

So what's the best MariaDB version to tick all these requirements and limitations?

 

[cPRex]

Hey there! Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to this, as it's impossible for anyone to say with certainty that you won't run into any issues. The only way to know is to have a professional database administrator examine your existing server to ensure the queries are compatible with modern database systems.

With that being said, if all your sites are using common tools, such as WordPress, I doubt you'd have any issues moving to any version you choose.

 

[AndyB78]

It's unfeasible to inspect all DBs (there are probably close to 1000, probably over 50% WP but also Joomla, custom apps etc). Of course, I am not looking for certainty but for reasonable expectations that for the vast majority of cases (99%+), the transfer will go smoothly.

 

[cPRex]

Any of the major pieces of software like WordPress and Joomla will work just fine. It might be worth it to have the custom apps you mention inspected to ensure they meet the requirements.

MariaDB has published a list of incompatibilities here that may be helpful to review:

Incompatibilities and Feature Differences Between MariaDB 10.3 and MySQL 5.7

List of incompatibilities and feature differences between MariaDB 10.3 and MySQL 5.7.

mariadb.com