Mycat2
Mycat2 is free, open-source distributed relational database middleware for Linux and self-hosted deployments.
What Mycat2 is
Mycat2 is free, open-source distributed relational database middleware for Linux and self-hosted deployments. It supports distributed SQL queries and the MySQL communication protocol, and it can work with multiple backend databases through the Java ecosystem. Its query engine supports MySQL syntax and value types, rule- and cost-based optimization, and a separate physical execution engine. The project says data fragmentation improves query processing capabilities. Sharding, serial-number, and load-balancing algorithms can be customized and loaded; a project DSL can manipulate physical query plans, forward SQL, and cache result sets. Mycat2 supports connection pooling and query routing. The README states that the current runtime supports Java 8 only. The release page lists v1.22-2022-6-25 as the latest release; its notes describe ClickHouse support for SELECT and INSERT, without returning auto-increment values. Those notes also list SQL-type permission interception, RSA encryption for user.json configuration, and automatic checking and recycling of inactive backend connections, with a default 180-second timeout. The repository identifies an Apache License from 2023.8 and links English and Chinese documentation.
Good
- Free and open source.
- Supports distributed SQL queries.
- Includes query routing and connection pooling.
- Sharding and load-balancing algorithms are customizable.
- Supports MySQL syntax and value types.
Watch out
- Current runtime supports Java 8 only.
- ClickHouse notes specify SELECT and INSERT, not auto-increment values.
- Self-hosted deployment requires managing the runtime.
Who it suits
Mycat2 may suit technical teams seeking self-hosted middleware for distributed SQL queries and MySQL-protocol communication. It is most relevant where Java 8 and customizable routing or load-balancing algorithms fit the deployment.
Verdict
Mycat2 offers distributed query and routing capabilities for Linux and self-hosted environments. Its Java 8 runtime requirement and implementation details, including the listed ClickHouse limits, deserve attention before adoption.
Plans and prices
From Mycat2's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Mycat2 | Free | Open-source software · Java 8 supported |
The facts
Each one read from Mycat2's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Backends
- It supports multiple backend databases through the Java ecosystem.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Connection handling
- The release notes describe automatic checking and recycling of inactive backend connections, with a default timeout of 180 seconds.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Sharding, serial number, and load balancing algorithms can be customized and loaded.checked 9 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Download
- The release page lists v1.22-2022-6-25 as the latest release.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies the project license as Apache License from 2023.8.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Mycat2 is a distributed relational database middleware that supports distributed SQL queries and the MySQL communication protocol.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Query controls
- A project DSL manipulates physical query plans and supports SQL forwarding and result set caching.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- The README says Mycat2 currently supports Java 8 only.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security feature
- The v1.22 release notes list SQL-type permission interception and RSA encryption support for user.json configuration.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Sharding
- The project says data fragmentation improves query processing capabilities.checked 9 Oct 2026
- SQL engine
- Its distributed query engine supports MySQL syntax and value types, with rule and cost based optimization and an independent physical execution engine.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository links English and Chinese documentation hosted on Yuque.checked 9 Oct 2026
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