DBLE
What it is
DBLE is Linux-based, self-hosted middleware for scaling MySQL workloads through sharding. It uses the MySQL protocol and can replace MySQL in many cases without application code changes. Its listed functions include query routing, connection pooling, load balancing and clustering to reduce reliance on a single node. Sharding options include hash, modulo, time-based, range-based and custom algorithms, alongside global and ER tables. DBLE also supports read/write separation, master-slave expansion and ZooKeeper cluster deployment. SQL coverage includes SQL 92 and MySQL dialect features such as joins, unions, grouping, ordering and distinct queries, while some features remain on its roadmap. Query optimization covers complex operations involving sharded, global and ER tables, as well as subqueries. Distributed transactions use two-phase commit in normal and XA modes; XA depends on MySQL 5.7 XA transactions, backend availability and disk reliability. Operational tools include Explain plans, compatible slow logs and slow-query performance reports. The open-source version is GPL-2.0 licensed and costs nothing; commercial support is available by contacting the maker.
For and against
For
- MySQL protocol compatibility may avoid application changes
- Multiple sharding strategies and table types
- Clustering, load balancing, and automatic failover
- Open-source GPL-2.0 license
Against
- Some SQL features remain on the roadmap
- XA depends on MySQL 5.7 XA and backend reliability
- Self-hosted Linux deployment
The verdict
DBLE offers MySQL-oriented sharding and scaling functions in a self-hosted, open-source package. Its query coverage and XA dependencies are important considerations for teams planning workloads around it.
Who it suits
It suits teams seeking to replace or scale a single MySQL instance as workloads grow. Teams should be prepared to operate self-hosted Linux middleware and consider the stated dependencies of XA transactions.
Plans and prices
DBLE (open-source version)
GPL-2.0 licensed · enterprise support plans available
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- High availability
- The DBLE server can run as a cluster so business workloads do not suffer from a single-node failure.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License and version
- The repository identifies DBLE as GPL-2.0 licensed and the documentation branch as applying to version 3.23.08.x.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- MySQL compatibility
- DBLE uses the MySQL protocol and can replace MySQL in many cases without application code changes.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Operational tools
- The official site lists slow logs compatible with MySQL slow-log analysis tools, an Explain execution plan, and slow-query performance analysis reports.opensource.actionsky.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DBLE is high-scalability middleware for MySQL sharding.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Query optimization
- It optimizes complex queries involving global-table joins, sharding tables, ER-relation tables, and subqueries.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Scaling and deployment
- The official site lists read/write separation, master-slave expansion, complete expansion plans, and ZooKeeper cluster deployment.opensource.actionsky.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security controls
- The official site lists password encryption, IP allowlists, and SQL denylists.opensource.actionsky.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Sharding features
- The official site lists hash, modulo, time-based, and range-based sharding algorithms, plus global tables, ER tables, and custom sharding algorithms.opensource.actionsky.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- SQL support
- DBLE supports SQL 92 and MySQL dialect features, including group by, order by, distinct, joins, and unions; some features are listed on its roadmap.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The DBLE documentation lists community support resources and says commercial support is available by contacting the maker.actiontech.github.io · read 4 Oct 2026
- Transactions
- DBLE supports distributed transactions with two-phase commit and offers normal and XA modes; XA depends on MySQL 5.7 XA transactions and backend availability and disk reliability.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- DBLE is intended for teams replacing or scaling a single MySQL instance as business needs grow.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
