You have a .NET application that needs to read and write MySQL data, and you don't want to buy a connector or install the MySQL client libraries just to get started. dotConnect for MySQL Express is Devart's free edition of its ADO.NET provider for MySQL, and it covers the basic connection work.
Quick facts
- Vendor: Devart
- Price: Free
- Type: ADO.NET data provider for MySQL
- Framework: .NET Framework (the Express edition has no .NET Core support)
- Visual Studio: Integration with Visual Studio 2015 through 2026
Key features
Connect to MySQL over TCP/IP without a native client
The dotConnect family connects to MySQL and MariaDB over TCP/IP with no client libraries, which keeps deployment simple.
Standard ADO.NET classes and native MySQL data types
Express includes the common ADO.NET classes and the provider's native data type classes and structures, so you can write ordinary connection, command and reader code.
Visual Studio integration
Devart's editions comparison lists Visual Studio integration (2015 through 2026) for Express as well as for the paid Developer edition.
Who it's for
It suits you if you build .NET Framework applications that need plain MySQL access and you want a free provider. It also works as a way to learn the provider before you decide on the paid edition.
Pros and cons
- Pro: It costs nothing.
- Pro: It includes the standard ADO.NET classes and native MySQL types.
- Con: It has no .NET Core support.
- Con: It has no SSL or SSH support, no compression, no embedded server and no HTTP tunneling.
- Con: It has no Entity Framework, LinqConnect or NHibernate support, and no design-time editors.
- Con: It has no MySqlDataTable, MySqlDataSet, MySqlLoader or MySqlDump classes.
FAQs
Is the Express edition really free?
Yes. Devart describes Express as a free data provider with basic connectivity features.
Can I use it with .NET Core?
No. .NET Core support is in the Developer edition only.
Can I connect over SSL or SSH?
Not with Express. Secure connections need the Developer edition.
Does it work with Entity Framework?
No. Entity Framework support is a Developer edition feature.
System requirements
The provider works with .NET Framework. The current vendor site lists .NET Framework 2.0 to 4.8 for the dotConnect for MySQL product line.