Open source database management.
MySQL is the second most-used open-source relational database management system (DBMS) in the world, and, like other similar DBMS, it uses SQL as the language of implementation.
MySQL builds on the language of SQL by allowing for a multi-user, multi-threaded DBMS, allowing your users to access many databases. It is often the preferred database for applications, particularly for web-based applications.
MySQL vs. SQL: Similar, but different.
As with SQL, the core function of MySQL is to manipulate and retrieve data.
How MySQL Is Different
While MySQL has many similarities with SQL, there are also some key differences that matter when it comes to choosing MySQL as the implementation of the language.
- The main difference between the two is that MySQL contains an “open” and extensible storage system, whereas SQL is “closed” and proprietary.
- MySQL does not support foreign keys which, in turn, makes it a slightly less relational database than SQL.
- MySQL has a better performance engine than SQL. SQL requires more computer resources to run (e.g. disk storage and memory) as compared with MySQL.
- When using MySQL, you can run a unique query cache. This cache stores both the query itself and the result. This function is currently unavailable when utilizing a standard SQL architecture.
How MySQL Is Similar
SQL is the language used by MySQL, but there are more similarities between the two that extend beyond that.
- From a security standpoint, both MySQL and SQL structures provide acceptable default security mechanisms. Keep in mind that both must be patched and updated on a continual basis to keep up with standard security requirements.
- Both database structures (SQL andMySQL) will work with PHP, .NET and J2EE.