# MySQL Upgrade from 8.0 to 8.4.x  (Azure)

This article provides a step-by-step procedure for upgrading **Azure Database for MySQL** from version **8.0 to 8.4**.**x.** The upgrade ensures continued vendor support, access to the latest security patches, improved performance, and new features in MySQL 8.4. 

**System Administrators, Database Administrators, and DevOps Engineers** are responsible for managing and maintaining Azure-hosted MySQL services.

## Prerequisites

Before initiating the upgrade, ensure the following conditions are met:

* **Backups**
  * Take a full logical backup of all MySQL databases using `mysqldump` or `mysqlpump`.
  * Verify backup integrity and ensure restore capability.
* **Application Downtime Preparation**
  * Stop dependent application services (e.g., Apache Tomcat hosting OvalEdge or other applications).
  * Communicate planned downtime to stakeholders.
* **Access Requirements**
  * Ensure administrator-level access to the Azure portal and the Azure Database for MySQL service.
* **Pre-Migration Checks**
  * Run pre-migration scripts (if applicable to the environment).
  * Validate that no long-running queries or transactions are active.

### Upgrade Steps

1. **Log in to Azure**
   * Access the Azure portal at:\
     👉 [https://portal.azure.com](https://portal.azure.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

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   * Authenticate using appropriate credentials with access to Azure Database for MySQL.<br>

2. **Locate the MySQL Instance**
   * Navigate to **Azure Database for MySQL servers**.

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   * Select the target instance currently running MySQL **8.0**.<br>

3. **Initiate the Upgrade**
   * Go to **Overview** and click **Upgrade**.

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   * Review the upgrade details and check the confirmation box. Click **Next.**

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   * Preview the details and click **Next** to proceed.

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4. **Confirm and Execute Upgrade**
   * Click **Upgrade** to start the process.

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   * ⚠️ The operation may take several minutes.

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   * During this period, the database service may be unavailable.<br>

5. **Verify Upgrade Completion**
   * Once the upgrade is complete, refresh the **Overview** page.

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   * Confirm the server version is updated to **MySQL 8.4**.

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### Post-Upgrade Steps

1. **Application Reconnection**
   * Update application configurations (if necessary) to point to the upgraded MySQL instance.
   * Restart dependent services (e.g., **Tomcat**).<br>
2. **Run Post-Migration Scripts**
   * Execute any required post-migration SQL scripts provided by the application or DBA team.<br>
3. **Validation**
   * Confirm application connectivity and functionality.
   * Check database logs for warnings or errors.
   * Run health checks on critical queries and stored procedures.

### Restore Backup

* If the MySQL upgrade to 8.4 fails:
  * The server will remain on MySQL 8.0.
  * Point the OE application back to the MySQL 8.0 instance and start the application.
* If issues persist after reconnecting to MySQL 8.0:
  * Create a new Azure MySQL instance with version 8.4.
  * Restore the pre-upgrade MySQL 8.0 backup to the new instance.

***

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