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Flyway is an open-source database migration tool maintained by Redgate that automates schema changes across 50+ databases. It provides version-controlled SQL migrations, supports Java, Maven, Gradle, and integrates with Docker and multiple build tools.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | flyway/flyway |
| Owner | flyway |
| Primary language | Java |
| License | Apache-2.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 9.9k |
| Forks | 1.6k |
| Open issues | 251 |
| Latest release | flyway-12.10.0 (2026-06-30) |
| Last updated | 2026-06-30 |
| Source | https://github.com/flyway/flyway |
What flyway is
Flyway executes versioned SQL migration scripts against target databases, tracking applied migrations in a metadata table. It supports Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, Snowflake, and others, with Java-based CLI and library APIs for integration into build pipelines and application startup flows.
Get the flyway source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/flyway/flyway.gitcd flyway# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Define a versioning scheme (e.g., V1__initial.sql, V2__add_column.sql) and enforce naming conventions early; migration naming is critical for ordering and traceability.
- Design migrations to be idempotent where possible and plan rollback strategies; Flyway does not auto-rollback, so undo migrations must be manual V-numbered scripts.
- For large databases, test migrations in staging environments to estimate duration and ensure lock/timeout behavior meets deployment windows.
- Integrate into build pipelines with explicit configuration (location, placeholder tokens, schemas); parameterize for multi-environment deployments (dev, staging, prod).
- Consider baseline() for legacy systems to establish a known starting point without re-running historical migrations.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Complex Interactive Schema Design — Flyway is script-driven; it does not provide a GUI for visual schema modeling or real-time conflict resolution. Use Redgate Enterprise or dedicated schema tools if interactive design is required.
- Non-Relational Document Validation — While Flyway supports MongoDB and Cassandra, it is optimized for SQL migrations; if you need rich document validation or schema enforcement on NoSQL systems, alternatives may better suit your needs.
- Legacy Monolithic Systems with Tight DB Coupling — Flyway assumes forward-compatible migrations; systems with complex cross-schema dependencies or zero-downtime requirements may require additional orchestration.
- Proprietary or Embedded Databases Without JDBC/Driver Support — Flyway depends on database drivers; unsupported or proprietary databases require custom community plugins or commercial support.
License & commercial use
Apache License 2.0 (ASL 2.0). Permissive OSI-approved open-source license. Full source code available on GitHub; modifications and redistribution allowed under terms of the license.
Apache 2.0 permits commercial use of the OSS edition without warranty or support guarantees. Redgate also offers Flyway Community (free, maintained by Redgate) and Flyway Enterprise (commercial, with GUI, support, and advanced features). Verify your deployment model and support needs before choosing between OSS and commercial editions.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Strong |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Flyway executes SQL scripts with credentials provided; ensure database user privileges follow least-privilege principle. Store migration scripts in version control; rotate database passwords regularly. No built-in secrets management—use environment variables or external secret stores (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager). Network access to target databases should be restricted. Review custom plugins for security issues. Metadata table (_flywaydb_history or similar) contains execution history; access control recommended.
Alternatives to consider
Liquibase
XML/YAML-based migrations with broader platform support and rollback capabilities; steeper learning curve but more declarative change management.
db-migrate (Node.js) / Alembic (Python)
Language-native migration tools if Java ecosystem not preferred; lighter footprint for non-Java services.
Redgate Flyway Enterprise / Community
Official paid tiers with GUI, version control integration, and advanced DevOps features if OSS CLI insufficient for enterprise needs.
Build on flyway with DEV.co software developers
Let Devco's DevOps experts evaluate Flyway for your infrastructure or architect a robust schema-change strategy. Contact us to discuss multi-environment deployments, CI/CD integration, and migration best practices.
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flyway FAQ
Does Flyway support rollback?
Can Flyway run migrations in parallel across shards?
What happens if a migration fails midway?
Is Flyway free for production use?
Build it with a software development company
Pairing flyway with the rest of your stack is where most open-source devops projects stall. DEV.co is a software development agency that does the integration work — plus AI development when models are in scope.
Ready to streamline your database deployments?
Let Devco's DevOps experts evaluate Flyway for your infrastructure or architect a robust schema-change strategy. Contact us to discuss multi-environment deployments, CI/CD integration, and migration best practices.