Data Access Components for MySQL Overview

Data Access Components for MySQL (MyDAC) is a library of components that provides direct access to MySQL database servers from Delphi, Delphi for .NET, C++Builder, Kylix, and 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.

MyDAC Palette

Advantages of MyDAC Technology

MyDAC is a direct connectivity database 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 features complete support of row-level locking, HANDLER statements, and MySQL administration tasks.

Native Connection Options

MyDAC offers two connection modes to MySQL: direct connection over the network in Direct mode 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.

Optimized Code

The goal of MyDAC is to enable developers to write efficient and flexible database applications. The MyDAC library is implemented using advanced data access algorithms and optimization techniques. Classes and components undergo comprehensive performance tests and are designed to help you write high-performance, lightweight data access layers.

Compatibility with Standard Data Access Components

The MyDAC interface retains compatibility with standard VCL data access components, like BDE. Existing BDE-based applications can be easily migrated to MyDAC and enhanced to take advantage of MySQL-specific features. Project migration can be automated with the BDE Migration Wizard.

How Does MyDAC Work?

MyDAC allows you to connect to MySQL in two ways: in Direct mode or in Client mode.

In Direct mode, MyDAC connects to MySQL directly without using MySQL client software. In Client mode, MyDAC connects to MySQL through the MySQL client library. The MySQL client library is supplied with the MySQL server.

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

The BDE data transfer protocol is shown below.

BDE Connection Protocol

BDE Connection Protocol

Using MyDAC in Client mode allows your application to avoid using BDE and ODBC.

MyDAC Connection Flow [Client Mode]

MyDAC Connection Flow [Client Mode]

Using MyDAC in Direct mode provides the optimal transfer route.

MyDAC Connection Flow [Direct Mode]

MyDAC Connection Flow [Direct Mode]

Key Features

The following list describes the main features of Data Access Components for MySQL.

  • Direct access to server data without using client library. Does not require installation of other data provider layers (such as BDE and ODBC)
  • VCL, VCL.NET, and CLX 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 the TMyScript component
  • Support for using macros in SQL
  • Integration with dbForge Fusion for MySQL Standard Edition for performing advanced database development and administration tasks
  • Easy migration from BDE with Migration Wizard
  • Lets you use Professional Edition of Delphi and C++Builder to develop client/server applications
  • Includes annual MyDAC Subscription with Priority Support
  • Licensed royalty-free per developer, per team, or per site

See All Features

MyDAC Design-Time View

Data Access Components for MySQL design-time