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Mycat2

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.6 #13 of 31 in Database Proxy Software

What it is

Mycat2 is free, open-source distributed relational database middleware for Linux and self-hosted deployment. It supports distributed SQL queries and the MySQL communication protocol while connecting to multiple backend databases through the Java ecosystem. Its query engine handles MySQL syntax and value types, rule- and cost-based optimization, and an independent physical execution engine. Data fragmentation is described as improving query processing. Users can customize and load sharding, serial-number and load-balancing algorithms. A project DSL manipulates physical query plans, forwards SQL and caches result sets. The README currently supports Java 8 only. Release notes for v1.22-2022-6-25 list ClickHouse as a backend for SELECT and INSERT, without returning auto-increment values. They also describe SQL permission interception, RSA encryption for user.json, and recycling inactive backend connections after a default 180-second timeout. The repository identifies an Apache License from 2023.8.

Spec sheet

Product
Mycat2 is a distributed relational database middleware that supports distributed SQL queries and the MySQL communication protocol.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The repository links English and Chinese documentation hosted on Yuque.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies the project license as Apache License from 2023.8.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Backends
It supports multiple backend databases through the Java ecosystem.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Connection handling
The release notes describe automatic checking and recycling of inactive backend connections, with a default timeout of 180 seconds.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Customization
Sharding, serial number, and load balancing algorithms can be customized and loaded.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Database integration
The v1.22 release notes say ClickHouse is supported as a backend data source, with SELECT and INSERT supported and no auto-increment value returned.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download
The release page lists v1.22-2022-6-25 as the latest release.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Query controls
A project DSL manipulates physical query plans and supports SQL forwarding and result set caching.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Runtime
The README says Mycat2 currently supports Java 8 only.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security feature
The v1.22 release notes list SQL-type permission interception and RSA encryption support for user.json configuration.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sharding
The project says data fragmentation improves query processing capabilities.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
SQL engine
Its distributed query engine supports MySQL syntax and value types, with rule and cost based optimization and an independent physical execution engine.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Mycat2 Free Open-source software · Java 8 supported Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Mycat2 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free open-source middleware
  • Supports distributed SQL and MySQL protocol
  • Customizable sharding and load balancing
  • Provides query routing and connection pooling
  • ClickHouse backend supports SELECT and INSERT

Limits

  • README supports Java 8 only
  • Latest listed release is v1.22-2022-6-25
  • Self-hosted deployment requires infrastructure
  • ClickHouse backend lacks auto-increment return

Who it suits

It suits Linux teams running their own database infrastructure and needing distributed SQL, routing, pooling or load balancing. Java 8 compatibility is a key runtime requirement.

Verdict

Mycat2 provides configurable distributed database middleware without a license fee. Its Java 8 requirement and self-hosted model should be checked against your environment.

Where Specifiction places it

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