Overview of MySQL’s New Release Model and Highlights of MySQL Server 9.0

1. New Release Model Overview

In earlier blog posts, MySQL announced a transition to a new LTS/Innovation release model, planning a major LTS version every two years.

MySQL 8.4.x is the current LTS series, and the next major version will be the 9.x Innovation series. During the innovation cycle, MySQL 9.x will have quarterly releases that include new features, deprecations, removals, and bug fixes.

MySQL 9.x also bundles the MySQL Shell, Router, connectors, and client tools, and a VS Code extension for MySQL.

DBAs, developers, and users are encouraged to migrate to the latest 9.0 GA version, which supports the 9.0 Innovation, 8.4 LTS, and 8.0 connectors and clients.

Community Recommended Reading

MySQL Community Manager: Why are the default InnoDB parameters changed in MySQL 8.4?

Understanding MySQL’s New Version Model

2. MySQL Server 9.0 Highlights

9.0 Innovation Series Launch

Version 9.0, as the initial release, prepares the platform for new features in upcoming releases.

Vector Data Type Support

The CREATE and ALTER statements now support a vector data type.

Removal of SHA‑1 native_password

Since 2005, users have been warned that SHA‑1 hashes are insecure.

In 2015, SHA‑256 passwords were introduced (more complex to deploy and slower to verify).

In 2017, the caching_sha2 password method was released.

Before 9.0, passwords in 8.0 or 8.4 were migrated from mysql_native_password to caching_sha2_password .

ALTER USER 'jeffrey'@'localhost'
           IDENTIFIED WITH caching_sha2_password BY 'new_password'
           PASSWORD EXPIRE INTERVAL 180 DAY
           FAILED_LOGIN_ATTEMPTS 3 PASSWORD_LOCK_TIME 2;

Library and Compiler Updates

Linux 8/9 GCC 13

Boost 1.85

MySQL Client, Tools, and Connectors 9.0

Regardless of the server version, always use the latest MySQL client, tools, and connectors.

The 9.0 client, tools, and connectors support MySQL Server 8.0, 8.4 LTS, and the 9.0 Innovation series.

Enterprise Edition: JavaScript Stored Procedures

Support for JavaScript‑based stored procedures and functions.

SQL can invoke JavaScript stored procedures.

JavaScript stored procedures can call SQL.

3. Upcoming Releases (October)

MySQL 8.4.2 (LTS)

MySQL 8.0.39 (bug‑fix release)

MySQL 9.1.0 (Innovation)

4. Related Videos

Visit the community video channel to watch the series on MySQL’s new release model.

5. Additional Resources

GitHub: https://github.com/actiontech/sqle

Documentation: https://actiontech.github.io/sqle-docs/

Official site: https://opensource.actionsky.com/sqle/

WeChat group: Add the assistant to join ActionOpenSource.

Commercial support: https://www.actionsky.com/sqle