MySQL 5.7 Reference Manual
MySQL 5.7 Release Notes
MySQL for Visual Studio is an add-on for Microsoft Visual Studio that simplifies the development of applications using data stored by the MySQL RDBMS. Many MySQL for Visual Studio features also require that MySQL Connector/NET be installed on the same host where you perform Visual Studio development. Connector/NET is a separate product.
The options for installing MySQL for Visual Studio are:
Using MySQL Installer (preferred): Download and execute the MySQL Installer.
With this option you can download and install MySQL Server, MySQL for Visual Studio, and Connector/NET together from the same software package, based on the server version. Initially, MySQL Installer assists you by evaluating the software prerequisites needed for the installation. Thereafter, MySQL Installer enables you to keep your installed products updated or to easily add and remove related MySQL products.
For additional information about using MySQL Installer with MySQL products, see Section 1.3, “MySQL Installer for Windows”.
Using the standalone Zip or MSI file: This option is ideal if you have MySQL Server and Connector/NET installed already. Use the information in this section to determine which version of MySQL for Visual Studio to install.
The MySQL for Visual Studio installation updates its configuration automatically when Connector/NET is installed on your computer. However, if you install Connector/NET after MySQL for Visual Studio, or upgrade Connector/NET after you have installed MySQL for Visual Studio, you are prompted to run the Configuration Update Tool.
A configuration deviation, if present, is detected by MySQL for Visual Studio when you attempt to create an Entity Framework model or the first time you attempt to open, create, or edit a connection to MySQL. Optionally, you can have MySQL for Visual Studio update the configuration files for you when it detects configuration errors and provides a popup window prompting you to invoke the tool. Select to run the tool. You must restart Visual Studio after the affected configuration files are updated.
MySQL for Visual Studio operates with multiple versions of Visual Studio, although the extent of support is based on your installed versions of Connector/NET and Visual Studio.
Minimum requirements for the supported versions of Visual Studio are as follows:
Visual Studio 2019 (Community, Professional, and Enterprise)
MySQL for Visual Studio 1.2.9 with Connector/NET 8.0.14
TipConnector/NET 8.0.18 (or later) is recommended.
Visual Studio 2017 (Community, Professional, and Enterprise):
MySQL for Visual Studio 1.2.7 with Connector/NET 8.0.14 or MySQL for Visual Studio 2.0.5 with Connector/NET 6.9.8
MySQL for Visual Studio does not support Express versions of Microsoft development products, including the Visual Studio and the Microsoft Visual Web Developer.
The following table shows the support information for MySQL for Visual Studio.
Table 5.1 Support Information for Companion Products
| MySQL for Visual Studio Version | MySQL Connector/NET Version Supported | Visual Studio Version Supported | MySQL Server Versions Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 (GA) | 8.0 | 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012 | 8.0, 5.7, 5.6 | Support for MySQL 8.0 features requires MySQL for Visual Studio 1.2.8 or higher. |
| 2.0 (RC) | 8.0 | 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012 | 5.7, 5.6 | Enables MySQL Configurations Manager and code editors (with MySQL 5.7). |
MySQL for Visual Studio is closely tied to Connector/NET, but they are two separate products that can be used without one another. The following restrictions apply:
MySQL for Visual Studio cannot be installed alongside any version of Connector/NET 6.6 and earlier, which must be removed before installing MySQL for Visual Studio.
The following MySQL for Visual Studio features require Connector/NET:
The Entity Framework Designer
The Application Configuration tool
Debugging Stored Procedures and Functions
The DDL T4 Template Macro (to generate a database from an EF Model)