MyDAC Overview

MySQL Data Access Components (MyDAC) is a library of components that provides direct access to MySQL database servers from Delphi, C++Builder, and Lazarus (Free Pascal). MyDAC can connect directly to MySQL server or work through the MySQL client library. The MyDAC library is designed to help programmers develop faster and cleaner MySQL database applications. MyDAC is a complete replacement for standard MySQL connectivity solutions and presents an efficient alternative to the Borland Database Engine for access to MySQL.

The MyDAC library is actively developed and supported by the Devart Team. If you have any questions about MyDAC, email the developers at [email protected] or visit MyDAC online at https://www.devart.com/mydac/.

Advantages of MyDAC Technology

MyDAC is a direct database connectivity wrapper built specifically for the MySQL server. MyDAC offers wide coverage of the MySQL feature set, supports both client and direct connection modes, and emphasizes optimized data access strategies.

Wide Coverage of MySQL Features

By providing access to the most advanced database functionality, MyDAC allows developers to harness the full capabilities of the MySQL server and optimize their database applications. MyDAC provides a complete support of MySQL Embedded Server, row-level locking, using HANDLER statements, MySQL administration tasks. View the full list of supported MySQL features in Features.

Native Connection Options

MyDAC offers two connection modes to the MySQL server: Direct connection and connection through the standard MySQL Client in Client mode. MyDAC-based database applications are easy to deploy, do not require installation of other data provider layers (such as BDE), and tend to be faster than those that use standard data connectivity solutions. See the How does MyDAC work section.

Optimized Code

The goal of MyDAC is to enable developers to write efficient and flexible database applications. The MyDAC library is implemented using optimized code and advanced data access algorithms. Component interfaces undergo comprehensive performance tests and are designed to help you write thin and efficient product data access layers. Find out more about how to use MyDAC to optimize your database applications in Increasing Performance.

Compatibility with other Connectivity Methods

The MyDAC interface retains compatibility with standard VCL data access components BDE. Existing BDE-based applications can be easily migrated to MyDAC and enhanced to take advantage of MySQL-specific features. Migration of a Delphi project can be automated with the BDE Migration Wizard. Find out more about Migration Wizard in Migration from BDE.

Development and Support

MyDAC is a MySQL connectivity solution that is actively developed and supported. MyDAC comes with full documentation, demo projects, and fast (usually within one business day) technical support by the MyDAC development team. Find out more about how to get help or submit feedback and suggestions to the MyDAC Development Team in Getting Support.

A description of the MyDAC components is provided in Component List.

Key Features

• Direct access to server data without using client library. Does not require installation of other data provider layers (such as BDE and ODBC)
• VCL, LCL and FMX versions of library available
• Full support of the latest versions of MySQL Server
• Support for all MySQL Server data types
• Disconnected Model with automatic connection control for working with data offline
• Local Failover for detecting connection loss and implicitly reexecuting certain operations
• All types of local sorting and filtering, including by calculated and lookup fields
• Automatic data updating with TMyQuery, TMyTable, and TMyStoredProc components
• Unicode and national charset support
• Supports many MySQL-specific features, such as locking, SET and ENUM types
• Advanced script execution functionality with TMyScript component
• Support for using macros in SQL
• Easy migration from BDE with Migration Wizard
• Lets you use Professional Edition of Delphi and C++Builder to develop client/server applications
• Included annual MyDAC Subscription with Priority Support
• Licensed royalty-free per developer, per team, or per site

The full list of MyDAC features is available in Features.

How does MyDAC work?

MyDAC allows you to connect to MySQL in two ways: in the Direct mode over TCP/IP or in the Client mode using MySQL client software. MyDAC works directly through the native MySQL interface to avoid using BDE and ODBC. The Direct mode can be enabled or disabled using the Direct option.

In the Direct mode, MyDAC connects to MySQL directly, without using the MySQL client software.

In the Client mode, MyDAC connects to MySQL using the MySQL client library. The MySQL client library is supplied with MySQL server.

In contrast, the Borland Database Engine (BDE) uses several layers to access MySQL and requires additional data access software to be installed on the client machines.

MyDAC Connection

BDE Connection