MySQL
MySQL is a client-server model, Oracle developed open source relational database management system (RDBMS). RDBMS refers to the software used to create and manage a database based on a relational model. According to the research done by DB-Engines', MySQL ranks as the second most popular database following Oracle Database. Moreover, according to a survey conducted by Stack Overflow, MySQL is one of the most used database management systems by data analysts, software developers, and database experts.
MySQL records all the data we need to store in a fast, powerful, and secure manner, and also provides reporting capabilities. It is used in web applications, online publishing, and Wordpress-based sites.
It is easier to use compared to database software like BerkeleyDB, Interbase, Microsoft Access, Oracle, PgAdmin, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL Server. It can be used with programming languages like PHP, Python, Java, Node.js, Ruby, Go, C, C++, .NET. However, according to studies, it is mostly used with PHP programming language. It is written in C and C++ and operates on different operating systems like Microsoft Windows, Oracle Solaris, AIX, Symbian, Linux, MAC OS, Unix and others.
Due to its ease of use and open source structure, it has become one of the most widely used database management systems in the world. Today, MySQL is utilized in all of the most visited applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, YouTube, Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb.
Where is MySQL used? What are the benefits of using MySQL?
MySQL's speed, reliability, and ease of use make it one of the most used databases. So, where is MySQL used? Being a powerful database management system, MySQL can easily be used in almost any environment that requires a database. The most common use for MySQL is web databases. It stores all the data you want to store.
If we briefly list the areas of MySQL usage;
- Cloud applications
- E-commerce
- Social platforms
- Content management
- In-house applications
The benefits of using MySQL are:
- Being open source
- Providing data security
- Having optional flexibility and scalability feature
- Providing high performance
- Providing transaction support
Frequently Asked Questions About MySQL
What programs are needed to use MySQL?
After installing the MySQL Server on your computer, you can start using MySQL by downloading the following programs. You can freely download the version of the virtual server programs you want.
- XAMPP
- AMPPS (MAC – Windows)
- MySQL Workbench
- MAMMP (MAC)
- Wamp Server
What are the GUI tools used for MySQL?
GUIs are ready-to-use visual interfaces that users can easily access. GUI tools save time to access the database. There are many GUI tools available for accessing MySQL database. Here's the most used MySQL GUI tools list:
- phpMyAdmin
- Navicat
- Sequel Pro
- DBTools Manager
- MySQL-Front
- MyDB Studio
- SQL Maestro
- Neor Profile SQL
- Database Master
Is MySQL paid?
MySQL database software is open source. Everyone can download the MySQL software from the internet and use it without paying. Also, the source code can be modified according to need. It is available in two different versions: the open source MySQL Community Server which you can download, access the source code, and use for free, and the licensed MySQL Enterprise version which requires an annual subscription.
Who developed MySQL?
It was developed by the Swedish company MySQL AB in 1995. Its name derived from the combination of "SQL" and Michael Widenius's daughter's name (MY). In 2008, the American technology company Sun Microsystems bought MySQL AB. Then in 2010, Oracle purchased Sun Microsystems. Currently, the property rights of MySQL belong to Oracle.
What are the differences between MySQL and SQL?
MySQL and SQL have both been in use for a long time, but they are not the same. They differ in terms of use cases, licensing and pricing. If you want to learn what SQL is and what it is used for, we recommend you to read this article. Let's take a look at what the differences between MySQL and SQL are:
SQL |
MySQL |
|
Definition |
SQL is a database application. |
MySQL is a database management system used on computers to store, warehouse, and share data. |
Type |
SQL is a query language. |
MySQL is a database management system. “SQL” is used to query the database. |
Updates |
The language is constant and has a standard form that does not require any updates. |
It often receives updates. |
Language Support |
SQL uses certain languages within itself. |
MySQL works with almost all programming languages. However, it is mostly used with PHP. |
Security |
SQL being supported by Microsoft and its special security tool called Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer play an important role in increasing SQL security. |
It is a very reliable system. |
Pricing |
SQL is licensed by Microsoft. It is not freely available to others. |
MySQL is a free platform for use and distribution since it is open source. |
Platform Support |
SQL was created for the Windows operating system. |
MySQL operates on various operating systems such as Linux, macOS and Windows. |
Conclusion
Are you considering a career involving business analysis, big data, or database management? Then it could be beneficial to carefully read and examine these concepts.
It is the flexibility and ease of use, high performance, and reliability of MySQL that makes it used by many industry and technology giants. Despite being an older technology compared to many other data storage solutions in the market today, these features continue to help it remain popular.