Core Platform Team/Initiatives/Databases in Extensions

Initiative Vision

< Initiatives

Vision:
  • To be able to install MediaWiki with a database backend other than those supported in core
  • To be able to develop additional database backends for MediaWiki and deliver them in extensions
Stakeholder(s):
  • Operators of MediaWiki installations that need to deploy to an environment where they must use a database other than those supported in core (for example, Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle)
  • Developers of alternative database functionality for MediaWiki who need an extension interface for their work.
Problem:
  • Support for Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server was removed from core in the summer of 2019.
  • This was done to reduce the maintenance burden in core, especially since it is not possible to run tests against these proprietary software systems.
  • This was a regression for those using MediaWiki with those databases and limits options for others who may want to deploy functionality of other alternative database systems.
Solution:
  • Develop an extension interface in core to allow alternative databases to be used with MediaWiki.
  • Support installing MediaWiki with a database that is provided by an extension.
Aligned Goals:
  • Code Health
Success Metrics:
  • Ensure that there is no degradation in performance caused by using a database provided through an extension.
  • Ensure that there is no degradation in performance caused by the extension interface code while using a database provided in core.
  • Develop at least one proof-of-concept database extension.

Initiative Description

< Initiatives

Summary

Provide a capability to allow adding database support in an extension for databases not supported in core.

Significance and Motivation

To remediate the regression in functionality caused by removing Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server support from core.

Outcomes

an extension interface in core to allow alternative databases to be used with MediaWiki

Baseline Metrics

MediaWiki 1.35

Target Metrics

MediaWiki 1.36

Stakeholders
  • Operators of MediaWiki installations that need to deploy to an environment where they must use a database other than those supported in core (for example, Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle)
  • Developers of alternative database functionality for MediaWiki who need an extension interface for their work.
Known Dependencies/Blockers

none



Documentation Links

< Initiatives

Phabricator

phab:T263846

Plans/RFCs

None given

Other Documents

None given

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