▸1. Why MySQL Shifted to the Modern LTS Cadence
Throughout the MySQL 5.7 and MySQL 8.0 release lifecycles, Oracle frequently introduced new syntax and parameter deprecations inside maintenance dot-releases. To resolve this enterprise liability, Oracle adopted the modern LTS vs Innovation model beginning with MySQL 8.4 in April 2024 and continuing with MySQL 9.7 LTS in April 2026.
▸2. Dual-Track Architecture: LTS vs Innovation
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MySQL 8.4 LTS ───► 5 Years Premier + 3 Years Extended Support (2024 - 2032, Patch 8.4.13)
│
MySQL 9.7 LTS ───► Released April 21, 2026 (Latest Patch: 9.7.4 - October 20, 2026)
│
MySQL 26.7 ───► July 28, 2026 (Calendar Innovation)
│
MySQL 26.10 ───► October 2026 (Latest Calendar Innovation)#### A. Long Term Support (LTS) Releases
- •Production Recommended: MySQL 9.7 LTS (released April 21, 2026, latest patch 9.7.4 on Oct 20, 2026) alongside MySQL 8.4 LTS (patch 8.4.13).
- •Support Lifespan: 8 years of total support (5 years Premier Support + 3 years Extended Support).
- •MySQL 8.0 EOL: Moved to Oracle Sustaining Support on April 21, 2026; review coverage and upgrade to a maintained LTS release.
#### B. Innovation Releases
- •Calendar Versioning: Transitioned to calendar-based numbering in mid-2026 (
26.7,26.10). - •Support Lifespan: Approximately 3 months (quarterly replacement).
- •Target Audience: Non-production testing and staging validation only.
▸3. Senior DBA Inspection Queries
sql
-- Inspect live server version string:
SELECT VERSION();
-- Verify legacy authentication plugin usage:
SELECT user, host, plugin FROM mysql.user WHERE plugin = 'mysql_native_password';
-- Check replication state and GTID execution mode:
SHOW REPLICA STATUS\G