MyDirect .NET is an enhanced data provider for MySQL that builds on ADO.NET technology to present a complete solution for developing MySQL-based database applications. As part of the Core Lab database application development framework, MyDirect .NET offers both high performance native connectivity to the MySQL database and a number of innovative development tools and technologies. MyDirect .NET introduces new approaches for designing application architecture, boosts productivity, and leverages database application implementation.
MyDirect .NET is a scalable data access solution developed with wide adaptability in mind. It can be successfully used in WinForms, ASP.NET, two-tier, multi-tier applications; within the ASP.NET Provider Model; in conjunction with the Enterprise Library; under .NET Compact Framework, Mono Framework and so on. Depending on the edition you choose, MyDirect .NET can be used as a powerful ADO.NET data provider, or an effective application development framework.
MyDirect .NET is actively developed and supported by the Core Lab. If you have questions about MyDirect .NET, email the developers at mysqlnet@crlab.com or visit MyDirect .NET online at http://www.crlab.com/mysqlnet/.
Wide Coverage of MySQL Features
By providing access to the most advanced database functionality, MyDirect .NET allows developers to harness the full capabilities of the MySQL server and optimize their database applications. MyDirect .NET stands out as the set of components with the widest support of MySQL functionality. Get a full list of supported MySQL features in the Features topic.
Flexible Connectivity
MyDirect .NET has widest possible connectivity options. It can operate in Direct mode without MySQL client library and in Client mode with usage of libmysql.dll. MyDirect .NET utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, as well as connections through proxy servers and HTTP tunnels. MyDirect .NET supports all MySQL server versions since 3.23, including MySQL Embedded Server.
Optimized Code
The goal of MyDirect .NET is to enable developers to write efficient and flexible database applications. The MyDirect .NET assemblies are implemented using optimized code and advanced data access algorithms. Components undergo comprehensive performance tests and are designed to help you write thin and efficient product data access layers.
Comprehensive Support for ADO.NET Technology Features
MyDirect .NET supports new ADO.NET features and technologies as soon as they are released. This includes base-class-based provider model, provider factories, connection string builder, metadata schemas, asynchronous commands, pooling enhancements, batch update support, provider-specific types, server enumeration, database change notification support and so on. MyDirect .NET will continue supporting the newest standards and innovations of the .NET Framework.
Database Application Development Extensions
MyDirect .NET has rich set of design time tools that leverage the development process greatly. Particularly, there are convenient design time component editors, wizards and managers for typed MySQL-specific components, toolset for live data binding and much more. MyDirect .NET integrates tightly with Visual Studio 2005, Delphi, and SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Solutions. Last, but not least, there is MyDeveloper Tools to design your database schema and manipulate table data - all within your favorite IDE.
Provider-Specific Technologies
MyDirect .NET has extra components designed to simplify some tasks and support MySQL-specific technologies. Particularly, MySqlScript serves to execute series of SQL statements, MySqlLoader serves to load external data into MySQL databases, and MySqlDump serves to backup or restore a whole database or its parts.
ADO.NET Entity Framework Support
ADO.NET Entity Framework is a conceptual approach to database application development with focus on objects instead of relational data. The flexible architecture of Entity Framework is made up of well-thought layers and modules. Entity Framework optimizes the development process with object-relational mapping, SQL-based entity query language, and LINQ.
MyDirect .NET fully supports the Entity Framework capabilities, which allows you to base your object-oriented applications on MySQL. MyDirect .NET includes a wizard that helps you setup model relations, and a set of demos to use as a starting point. All standard Entity Framework samples can be easily ported to MyDirect .NET.
Both Connected and Disconnected Models
MyDirect .NET combines connected and disconnected data access models in single MySqlDataTable component, which allows you to design more flexible application architecture and use full power of data binding.
Development and Support
MyDirect .NET is a MySQL connectivity solution that has been actively developed and supported since 2002. MyDirect .NET comes with full documentation, demo projects, and fast (usually within one business day) technical support by the MyDirect .NET development team. Find out more about how to get help or submit feedback and suggestions in the Getting Support topic.
A description of the MyDirect .NET components is provided in the Class and Component List.
For the detailed list of MyDirect .NET features refer to the Features topic.
MyDirect .NET has four editions: Professional, Standard, Mobile, and Trial. The Standard Edition represents a fully-featured ADO.NET data provider with design time support and advanced classes. The Professional Edition adds more classes, tools, technologies, and integration capabilities, including MyDeveloper Tools, an advanced add-in for designing databases and easily manipulating data and schema objects from your IDE. The Mobile Edition is equivalent to the Standard Edition for .NET Compact Framework. The Trial Edition corresponds to Professional with trial limitation.
| Feature | Professional | Standard | Mobile | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .NET Framework support | + | + | + | |
| .NET Compact Framework support | + | + | ||
| ADO.NET core classes | + | + | + | + |
| Native data types classes and structures | + | + | + | + |
| MySqlDataSet class | + | + | ||
| MySqlDataTable class | + | + | ||
| MySqlScript class | + | + | + | + |
| MySqlLoader class | + | + | ||
| MySqlDump class | + | + | ||
| DataLink class | + | + | ||
| Design-time features, including component editors and property editors | + | + | + | + |
| Entity Framework support | + | + | ||
| Enterprise Library support | + | + | ||
| ASP.NET 2.0 providers support | + | + | ||
| DotNetNuke support | + | + | + | |
| Advanced Visual Studio 2005/2008 integration (Server Explorer and other features) | + | + | + | |
| DataSet Manager and Editor | + | + | ||
| DataSet Wizard | + | + | ||
| Migration Wizard | + | + | + | |
| SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Solutions support | + | + | ||
| MyDeveloper Tools* | + | + | ||
| MySqlMonitor class | + | + | + | + |
| DBMonitor support | + | + | ||
| Trial limitation** | + |
* List of environments this feature is compatible with you can find in the dedicated article.
** Trial version of the provider is a fully working version during 30 days period. After the trial period expires you must either register or uninstall MyDirect .NET.
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