dotConnect for MySQL

dotConnect for MySQL is a database connectivity solution built over ADO.NET architecture. With Entity Framework and LINQ to SQL support it introduces new approaches for designing applications, boosts productivity of database application development.

Pros: dotConnect for MySQL is an enhanced data provider for MySQL. It builds on ADO.NET technology and present a complete solution for developing MySQL-based database applications. It offers both high performance native connectivity to the MySQL database and a number of innovative development tools and technologies. dotConnect for MySQL introduces some fresh approaches for designing application architecture, boosts productivity, and leverages database application implementation. dotConnect offers a complete solution for developing database-related applications and web sites. With Entity Framework and LINQ to SQL, it introduces new approaches for designing applications.

Developers are able to use full capabilities of MySQL server and optimize applications. It has widest possible connectivity options including Direct mode without MySQL client library, in Client mode using libmysql.dll. dotConnect for MySQL utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure Shell (SSH) and through proxy servers and HTTP tunnels. dotConnect for MySQL enables developers to write efficient and flexible database applications.

The provider works with .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and .NET Compact Framework 2.0. dotConnect for MySQL supports Mono version 2.0 and above. The product is compatible with the latest version of ADO.NET Entity Framework. Development can be supported in Visual Studio .NET 2008/ 2005/ 2003/ 2002, Turbo Delphi for .NET Professional, Turbo C# Professional, Borland Developer Studio 2006/ 2005, Borland Delphi 8 and Borland C# Builder. dotConnect for MySQL supports all MySQL server versions since 3.23, including MySQL Embedded Server.

Cons: This is for specialist developers only.

Overall: Rich in features and easy to use for the type of audience it is addressed to it is certainly a 4 star item.

dotConnect for MySQL is an enhanced data provider built over ADO.NET architecture and a development framework with a number of innovative technologies. With state of the art ORM solutions such as Entity Framework and LINQ to SQL, it introduces new approaches for designing applications and boosts productivity of database application development.
Key Features:
* Flexible Connectivity dotConnect for MySQL can operate in Direct mode without MySQL client library and in Client mode with usage of libmysql.dll.
* Database Application Development Extensions. dotConnect for MySQL has a rich set of design time tools that leverage the development process greatly. Particularly, there are convenient design time component editors, wizards and managers, toolset for live data binding, DDEX, a and much more.
* MySQL Advanced Features. Support dotConnect for MySQL allows developers to harness full capabilities of the MySQL server. dotConnect for MySQL supports such MySQL- specific features as secure SSL and SSH connections, embedded server, compression protocol, HTTP tunneling and others.
* ORM Support dotConnect for MySQL offers enhanced ORM support with a bundled visual designer for ORM models - Entity Developer. It offers you advanced support for Model-First and Database-First design approaches and flexible T4 template-based code generation for the model. dotConnect for MySQL supports Entity Framework v1 - v6.1, NHibernate, and LinqConnect - Devart's own ORM solution, closely compatible to Microsoft LINQ to SQL. dotConnect for MySQL supports such Entity Framework features as Entity Framework Spatials, Code First, Code First Migrations.
* Workflow Foundation Support. Provides support for MySQL Workflow Instance Store and Workflow Tracking.
* BIS Support. dotConnect for MySQL supports Reporting and Analytics services and offers Source and Destination Data Flow components for Integration Services
* Support for ASP.NET Identity 1 and 2
* Sync Framework Support