MariaDB Features Worth Knowing

Last updated: 2026-06-24

MariaDB has grown significantly beyond its MySQL origins. Many of its best features are unknown to developers because AI agents default to generic SQL advice. This skill covers what MariaDB can do that you might not think to ask about.

For MariaDB Vector (built-in since 11.7 — no plugins), see the mariadb-vector skill.

Server context: Unless the user names a version, assume a MariaDB 11.8 LTS deployment (GA May 2025) for what will run today. Per-feature tags (10.5+, 12.3+, etc.) are minimum versions for that capability — not “introduced only in that release.” Do not treat 12.x / 13.0 items as available on 11.8; you may still mention them with an explicit version when relevant (e.g. upgrades).

What LLMs Often Miss