How to connect to a MySQL Data Source in Visual Studio

Question

I use the MySQL Connector/Net to connect to my database by referencing the assembly (MySql.Data.dll) and passing in a connection string to MySqlConnection. I like that because I don't have to install anything.

Is there some way to "Choose Data Source" in Visual Studio 2010 without installing something?

How can I get a MySQL option (localhost) to show up on one of these lists? Or do I have to install something?

(I don't want to use ODBC btw)

"Add Connection" from Server Explorer:

Entity Data Model Wizard:

Solution 1

Visual Studio requires that DDEX Providers (Data Designer Extensibility) be registered by adding certain entries in the Windows Registry during installation (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\VisualStudio\{version}\DataProviders) . See DDEX Provider Registration in MSDN for more details.

Solution 2

install the MySQL .NET Connector found here http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/net/

Solution 3

"Starting with version 6.7, Connector/Net will no longer include the MySQL for Visual Studio integration. That functionality is now available in a separate product called MySQL for Visual Studio available using the MySQL Installer for Windows."

Source: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/connector/net/6.6.html

Solution 4

After a lot of searching and trying many solutions, I got it finally:

1. uninstall connector

2. uninstall MySQL for Visual Studio from control panel

   

3. reinstall them according to the table below

   

4. copy the assembly files from C:\Program Files (x86)\MySQL\MySQL Connector Net 6.9.8\Assemblies\v4.5 to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\Common7\IDE

5. log off and reopen your solution

6. enjoy

Solution 5

This seems to be a common problem. I had to uninstall the latest Connector/NET driver (6.7.4) and install an older version (6.6.5) for it to work. Others report 6.6.6 working for them.

See other topic with more info: MySQL Data Source not appearing in Visual Studio

View more solutions

Comments

[JohnB]

Thanks, but I am familiar with the link to that driver!

[Lucas]

@JohnB then what's the problem? f00's screenshot shows that MySql appears as an option in the "Choose Data Source" dialog.

[JohnB]

@Lucas, no I get that, my question was whether is was possible to Add a Connection through the Server Explorer by just using the MySql.Data.dll assembly. @f00: +1 for your help.

[JohnB]

Any examples on how to use my own data provider to create ASP.NET Reports? All the examples I have seen use the built in wizards/tools.

[Lucas]

@JohnB Oops, I misread, though you meant it didn't show up for you. I'll add an answer with details, for future reference :) and +1 f00

[mkataja]

Had a similar experience. MySQL wouldn't show in the Data Sources list using Connector/NET 6.7.4. Version 6.6.5 was fine though.

[Subby]

THANK YOU MKATAJA AND SERGIO!!!!!!! Uninstalling my current MySQL Connector from Control Panel, installing 6.6.6, relaunching VS worked perfectly! Thank you!!

[stuzor]

See my post below - it seems you may need to install older drivers for VS2010!!

[Fernando Gonzalez Sanchez]

Starting version 6.7, Visual Studio integration was splitted into a different product, MySql for Visual Studio, see dev.mysql.com/downloads/windows/visualstudio

[KidBilly]

Thanks! I installed the most recent version of SqlConnector and it didn't work for VS2010. Installed 6.6.6, and success!

[konrad_pe]

Confirming this to work for Visual Studio 2015 aswell!

[Luke Dupin]

You're my hero!

[Akhil]

hi friend i installed 1.2.7 which is compatible with visual studio 2017

[Jordan]

Clicking the arrow up would be the best praise.

[Chesare]

I did the same, along with the standalone installer for VS (dev.mysql.com/downloads/windows/visualstudio), restart Visual Studio 2017 and there were the driver ready to use. It did not appear on VS2019, though.

[wodzu]

I was missing the second installer for VS2019: "MySQL for Visual Studio".

[Boomerang]

Work for Visual Studio 2019