MySQL 9.7: First Major LTS Since 8.4 Brings Enterprise Features to Community Edition

Oracle has released MySQL 9.7.0, the first major LTS release since MySQL 8.4. Key additions include the Hypergraph optimizer (now in Community Edition), JSON Duality Views with DML support, in-database JavaScript, dynamic data masking (Enterprise), OpenID authentication, and improved replication observability. Several features previously exclusive to Enterprise Edition are now available in Community Edition. The release comes amid community concerns about Oracle's commitment to MySQL and declining contributor activity. A notable bug in the repo update silently upgraded servers from 8.4 to 9.7 during routine package updates. MySQL 8.4 reaches end of life in three years.