dbExpress is a database-independent layer that defines common interface to provide fast access to MySQL databases from Delphi and C++Builder on Windows and Mac OS X for both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms. For each supported server dbExpress provides a driver as an independent library that implements the common dbExpress interfaces for processing queries and stored procedures. As a thin and simple data-access layer dbExpress provides high performance database connectivity and is easy to deploy. dbExpress driver for MySQL provides access to MySQL database. It can work using native MySQL network protocol or MySQL client. dbExpress driver for MySQL supports MySQL server 6.0, 5.6, 5.5, 5.1, 5.0, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.23; MySQL Embedded servers: 6.0, 5.6, 5.5, 5.1, 4.1, and 4.0; MariaDB 5.x. If you do not use Direct mode, then MySQL client library is required.

Key features of dbExpress drivers:
* Embarcadero RAD Studio XE7 support
* Win64 development support
* Mac OS X development support
* Direct data access
* High performance
* Supports latest versions of servers
* All data types support
*IPv6 protocol support
* Extended options for advanced behavior
* Ability of monitoring query execution with DBMonitor
* Source code available
* Licensed per a developer without royalty fee
* One year free support for registered users

Following development environments are supported by dbExpress drivers:
* Embarcadero RAD Studio XE7/XE6/XE5/XE4/XE3/XE2/XE
* Embarcadero RAD Studio 2010/2009
* CodeGear RAD Studio 2007
* Borland Developer Studio 2006
* Borland Delphi 7/6
* Borland C++Builder 6