Tutorials

Scaling Azure Database for MySQL

This tutorial will guide you through the process of scaling your Azure Database for MySQL instance to meet evolving performance and storage requirements. Scaling allows you to adjust compute resources (vCores, memory) and storage capacity without significant downtime.

Scaling involves changing the provisioned performance tier and/or storage size. It's crucial to understand the implications of each scaling operation.

Understanding Scaling Options

Azure Database for MySQL offers scaling primarily in two dimensions:

  • Compute Scaling: Adjusting the number of vCores and memory allocated to your server. This impacts processing power and responsiveness. Available tiers include General Purpose and Memory Optimized.
  • Storage Scaling: Increasing the disk space allocated to your server. This is important for accommodating growing datasets. Storage can be scaled up but not down once provisioned.

Steps to Scale Compute Resources

You can scale compute resources through the Azure portal or using Azure CLI.

Using the Azure Portal:

  1. Navigate to your Azure Database for MySQL server resource in the Azure portal.
  2. In the left-hand menu, under "Settings," select "Compute + storage."
  3. You will see your current configuration. To scale compute, choose a different "Pricing tier."
  4. Select your desired performance tier (e.g., General Purpose, Memory Optimized) and the appropriate vCore count.
  5. Click "Apply" to save the changes. Azure will provision the new resources.

Note: While compute scaling usually involves minimal downtime, it's recommended to perform during off-peak hours.

Using Azure CLI:

Use the az mysql server update command:

az mysql server update --resource-group <your-resource-group> \
    --name <your-server-name> \
    --tier <new-tier-name> \
    --capacity <new-vcore-count> \
    --sku-name <new-sku-name>

Replace placeholders with your actual values. For example, to scale to General Purpose with 4 vCores:

az mysql server update --resource-group myResourceGroup \
    --name mydemoserver \
    --tier GeneralPurpose \
    --capacity 4 \
    --sku-name Standard_DS4_v2

Steps to Scale Storage

Increasing storage is a common requirement as your data grows.

Using the Azure Portal:

  1. Go to your Azure Database for MySQL server resource.
  2. Select "Compute + storage" from the left-hand menu.
  3. Under the "Storage" section, you can adjust the "Storage capacity."
  4. Enter your desired new storage size (must be greater than the current provisioned size).
  5. Click "Apply". Storage scaling is typically a fast operation.

Remember: Storage can only be scaled up, not down. Plan your storage needs carefully.

Using Azure CLI:

Use the az mysql server update command with the --storage-mb parameter:

az mysql server update --resource-group <your-resource-group> \
    --name <your-server-name> \
    --storage-mb <new-storage-in-mb>

For example, to increase storage to 200 GB (200 * 1024 MB):

az mysql server update --resource-group myResourceGroup \
    --name mydemoserver \
    --storage-mb 204800

Important Considerations

  • Downtime: While compute scaling is designed for minimal disruption, always test in a non-production environment. Storage scaling is generally seamless.
  • Cost: Scaling up compute and storage will increase your monthly costs. Review the Azure pricing calculator.
  • Performance Tiers: Understand the characteristics of each tier (Basic, General Purpose, Memory Optimized) to choose the most cost-effective option for your workload.
  • Monitoring: After scaling, monitor your database performance metrics (CPU utilization, IOPS, memory usage) to ensure the scaling operation met your objectives.
Scaling your Azure Database for MySQL is a critical step in optimizing performance and cost. Plan your scaling strategy based on your application's demands.

What's Next?