Oracle has recently released MySQL 8.2, which brings with it a notable feature called Read/Write Splitting to improve database performance and scalability. This new feature allows applications to direct write traffic to read-write instances and read traffic to read-only instances, providing more efficient distribution of reads and writes. This is an important feature for managing database traffic.
Read/Write Splitting
Read/Write Splitting allows client sessions to communicate with both read_write and read_only destinations, ensuring that queries are intelligently classified as reads or writes and reach the appropriate backend. When connecting to MySQL using the Read/Write Port (defaulting to 6450), connections will reach the replica (secondary) for reads and the replication source (primary) for transactions.
Concerns and Considerations
Although the community has generally welcomed this feature, some concerns have been raised about the router’s ability to match the timeline consistency provided by MySQL Group Replication. Despite this, the team at Oracle emphasizes the value of this feature in optimizing database performance and scalability without necessitating changes to the application.
MySQL 8.2.0 is now available for download from the Oracle website, providing users with a powerful toolset for improving their database infrastructure’s performance and scalability. As the MySQL ecosystem continues to evolve, the introduction of Read/Write Splitting in MySQL 8.2 is a pivotal development, addressing key concerns in distributed database management.