What is MySQL?

MySQL, the most popular open-source SQL database management system, is developed, distributed, and supported by Oracle Corporation. The MySQL website provides the latest information about MySQL software.

  • MySQL is a database management system.

    A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of information in a corporate network. To add, access, and process data stored in a computer database, you need a database management system such as MySQL Server. Since computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management systems play a central role in computing, as standalone utilities, or as parts of other applications.

  • MySQL databases are relational.

    A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. The database structures are organized into physical files optimized for speed. The logical model, with objects such as databases, tables, views, rows, and columns, offers a flexible programming environment. You set up rules governing the relationships between different data fields, such as one-to-one, one-to-many, unique, required, or optional, and “pointers” between different tables. The database enforces these rules so that with a well-designed database, your application never sees inconsistent, duplicate, orphan, out-of-date, or missing data.

  • The Evolution and Role of Structured Query Language

    The SQL part of “MySQL” stands for “Structured Query Language”. SQL is the most common standardized language used to access databases. Depending on your programming environment, you might enter SQL directly (for example, to generate reports), embed SQL statements into code written in another language, or use a language-specific API that hides the SQL syntax.

    SQL is defined by the ANSI/ISO SQL Standard. The SQL standard has been evolving since 1986 and several versions exist. In this manual, “SQL-92” refers to the standard released in 1992, “SQL:1999” refers to the standard released in 1999, and “SQL:2003” refers to the current version of the standard. We use the phrase “the SQL standard” to mean the current version of the SQL Standard at any time.

  • MySQL software is Open Source.

    Open Source means that anyone can use and modify the software. Anybody can download the MySQL software from the Internet and use it without paying anything. If you wish, you may study the source code and change it to suit your needs. 

  • The MySQL Database Server is very fast, reliable, scalable, and easy to use.

    If that is what you are looking for, you should give it a try. MySQL Server can run comfortably on a desktop or laptop, alongside your other applications, web servers, and so on, requiring little or no attention. If you dedicate an entire machine to MySQL, you can adjust the settings to take advantage of all the memory, CPU power, and I/O capacity available. MySQL can also scale up to clusters of machines, networked together.

    MySQL Server was originally developed to handle large databases much faster than existing solutions and has been successfully used in highly demanding production environments for several years. Although under constant development, MySQL Server today offers a rich and useful set of functions. Its connectivity, speed, and security make MySQL Server highly suited for accessing databases on the Internet.

  • MySQL Server works in client/server or embedded systems.

    The MySQL Database Software is a client/server system that consists of a multithreaded SQL server that supports different back ends, several different client programs and libraries, administrative tools, and a wide range of application programming interfaces (APIs).

    We also provide MySQL Server as an embedded multithreaded library that you can link into your application to get a smaller, faster, easier-to-manage standalone product.

  • A large amount of contributed MySQL software is available.

    MySQL Server has a practical set of features developed in close cooperation with our users. Your favorite application or language likely supports the MySQL Database Server.

What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL?

Now, that you know the basic overview and concept, let’s look at the core differences between SQL and MySQL.

SQL

MySQL

SQL is a query programming language that manages RDBMS.

MySQL is a relational database management system that uses SQL.

SQL is primarily used to query and operate database systems.

MySQL allows you to handle, store, modify, and delete data and store data in an organized way.

SQL does not support any connector.

MySQL comes with an in-built tool known as MySQL Workbench that facilitates creating, designing, and building databases.

SQL follows a simple standard format without many or regular updates.

MySQL has numerous variants and gets frequent updates.

SQL supports only a single storage engine.

MySQL offers support for multiple storage engines along with plug-in storage, making it more flexible.

SQL does not allow other processors or even its binaries to manipulate data during execution.

MySQL is less secure than SQL, as it allows third-party processors to manipulate data files during execution.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, MySQL has proven to offer astounding features in the database management aspect, which have made it developed into probably one of the most popular RDBMS systems whose source code is open to the public. MySQL uses SQL which is an ‘official’ language that has only improved with time and its incorporation allows for a robust, fast, and versatile method of managing data. MySQL provides the necessary performance and possibility of growing as big as needed for applications that require small construction or for managing large and complex databases. It remains a staple of passive database management for developers and companies due to the balance between usability or simplicity and functionality it offers.