MySQL Connector/NET now supports separate code paths for synchronous and asynchronous methods. This follows best practices in modern .NET development, ensuring that API signatures are distinct for sync and async operations to avoid potential deadlocks and improve overall performance. (WL #17260)

BeginTransaction() used the transaction isolation level REPEATABLE READ instead of using the .NET default, READ COMMITED. (Bug #38675191)

Added LINQ query support for StartsWith and EndsWith. Arguments sent using these methods are now correctly translated.

Our thanks to Ma Liming for the contribution. (Bug #119338, Bug #39041159)

Retrieving data with a data reader did not fetch key metadata by default, preventing incorrect key inference. As a result, queries containing a LEFT JOIN, WHERE, and ORDER BY returned a single row, even though multiple rows matched the condition. (Bug #118978, Bug #38458249)