MySql.ConnectorNET.Data vs MySql.Data

Question

What is the difference between the MySql.ConnectorNET.Data and the MySql.Data packages on NuGet?

They both appear to be published by the same user (MySQL), and the Project Site links point to the same location (http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/).

After installing both, the ConnectorNET version appears to lag behind the other version by a release.

Answer 1

Since the time you asked this question, Oracle (the package owner) has made the situation clear:

• MySql.Data is the official package that continues to be updated.
• MySql.ConnectorNET.Data now has no published releases. It shows the warning: “The owner has unlisted this package. This could mean that the package is deprecated or shouldn't be used anymore.”

NuGet also has the following other MySQL ADO.NET connectors:

• MySqlConnector — community-developed OSS connector library supporting async and .NET Core.
• SapientGuardian.MySql.Data — started as a fork of MySql.Data that added netstandard1.3 support; now unmaintained.
• dotConnect.Express.for.MySQL — free “Express Edition” of a closed-source commercial product offering paid editions.
• CData.MySQL — closed-source commercial product that requires a paid license.