MySQL 5.7 provides performance improvements, new features, and enhancements over previous versions. Key highlights include:
- MySQL 5.7 is generally 3x faster than MySQL 5.6 based on benchmarks of SQL point selects, connection requests, OLTP read-only, and OLTP read-write workloads.
- New features include native JSON support, query rewrite plugins, cost-based optimizer improvements, and a new SYS schema to help DBAs and operations staff.
- Additional enhancements include replication improvements, security upgrades, and Performance Schema improvements for better memory and statement instrumentation.