ApsaraDB RDS for MariaDB lets you view and modify instance parameters from the ApsaraDB RDS console or by calling API operations. Use parameter modification to tune database behavior — for example, adjusting connection limits, buffer sizes, or query timeouts — without replacing the instance.
Parameter behavior: dynamic vs. static
Parameters fall into two categories:
| Type | Behavior | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | Changes take effect within approximately 5 minutes — no restart required | Force Restart column shows No |
| Static | Changes take effect only after the instance restarts | Force Restart column shows Yes |
To check whether a specific parameter requires a restart, go to the Editable Parameters tab and look at the Force Restart column.
Schedule static parameter changes during off-peak hours and configure your application to reconnect automatically, because the instance restarts immediately when you click Apply Changes.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure that you have:
An ApsaraDB RDS for MariaDB instance
Access to the ApsaraDB RDS console
Modify a single parameter
Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console.
In the top navigation bar, select the region where your instance resides.
Find the instance and click its instance ID.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Parameters.
On the Editable Parameters tab, find the parameter you want to change. Check the Value Range column to see the allowed values.
Click the edit icon next to the parameter, enter the new value, and click OK.
Click Apply Changes at the top of the page, then click OK in the dialog box.
If Force Restart is Yes for the parameter, the instance restarts immediately after you click OK.
Modify multiple parameters
Use Export Parameters and Import Parameters to update several parameters at once.
Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console.
In the top navigation bar, select the region where your instance resides.
Find the instance and click its instance ID.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Parameters.
On the Editable Parameters tab, click Export Parameters to download the current parameter settings as a file.
Open the file, update the parameter values, and save it.
Click Import Parameters, paste the updated parameter settings into the Import Parameters dialog box, and click OK.
Review the changed values, then click Apply Changes. In the dialog box, click OK.
View parameter change history
Log on to the ApsaraDB RDS console.
In the top navigation bar, select the region where your instance resides.
Find the instance and click its instance ID.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Parameters.
Click the Edit History tab.
Select a time range and click OK.
Parameter reference
For descriptions of all available parameters, see MariaDB server system variables.
Only a subset of parameters is available for modification in the console. This restriction protects instance stability.
FAQ
Do parameter changes take effect immediately? Does the instance restart?
It depends on the parameter type. Dynamic parameters take effect within approximately 5 minutes without a restart. Static parameters take effect only after the instance restarts. To check which type a parameter is, look at the Force Restart column on the Editable Parameters tab.
I modified parameters, but the new values are not active. What happened?
Make sure you clicked Apply Changes after editing. Changes are not saved until you apply them.
API reference
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| ModifyParameter | Modifies the parameters of an instance |
| DescribeParameterTemplates | Queries the parameter templates available for an instance |
| DescribeParameters | Queries the current parameter settings of an instance |