title: How to convert a big MySQL Database from utf8 to utf8mb4?
body: <p>I have a MySQL server (MariaDB Server version 10.5 running on Debian bullseye) with a 600 GB database. Due to compatibility issues I have to switch from UTF-8 to UTF8MB4.</p>
  <p>I've found a few things about it, but I'm still unsure of the best way to do it. Since this is a productive system and a rollback is only possible on the testing system, I'm concerned about the data integrity and fear that difficulties may arise afterwards, for example with regard to performance.</p>
  <p>What is the best and safest way to convert the database?
  Is there anything special to consider?</p>
  <p>Thanks for suggestions.</p>