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The need for database management has also grown significantly with the use of data in the business world. These databases have evolved into an integral part of any business regardless of size and structure.
However, data is worthless if it is not analyzed. Companies use RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) for this purpose. Using management tools, RDBMS helps database administrators and organizations develop relationships between data sets.
SQL and MySQL are two of the world's most popular data management tools. But for a fresher or even someone with more experience, the difference between the two can be confusing.
In this blog, we will understand the difference between SQL and MySQL.
Before we dive right into the differences, let's first understand a few basic concepts related to SQL.
What is a database?
A database collects all data stored and managed electronically in a software system. It lets us keep any type or large volume of data for easy access and use.
Many databases serve different purposes, such as centralized databases managing all information for universities in a centralized location or cloud databases where data is stored on a server that can be accessed online.
What is an RDBMS?
A system is required to manage, load, store and maintain the database. This is called a database management system.
RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) is a developed version of a database system that lets you organize, maintain, retrieve and handle databases in a tabular format. It is the most used tool by data analysts or database administrators for working with vast amounts of data.Many companies use RDBMS because it organizes data into tables that provide the following benefits:
- Limited data redundancy
- Data security
- Easy data recovery and backup
- Improved data usability
- Multiple users can access the data
- Some examples of RDBMS are MYSQL, Oracle, etc.
What is SQL?
SQL is the language used to control your database. SQL is the primary language used for all databases. There are minor syntax changes between databases, but the basic SQL syntax remains the same. SQL is short for Structured Query Language. And SQL is the standard language for a relational database management system.
SQL is used to access, correct and manage data in a database. Its design allows data management in RDBMS such as MYSQL. SQL is also used to control data access and create and modify database schemas.
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What is MYSQL?
Developed in the mid-1990s, MySQL was one of the first open-source databases available on the market. Today, there are many alternative versions of MySQL. However, the differences between the variants are negligible as they use the same syntax and the core functionality remains the same.
MySQL is an RDBMS that allows you to organize data in a database. MySQL is pronounced "My S-Q-L" but is also called "My Sequel." It is named after the daughter of co-founder Michael Widenia. MySQL provides multi-user access to databases. This RDBMS system is used with a combination of PHP and Apache Web Server on top of a Linux distribution.
Difference between SQL and MySQL
1. Based on developers/owners
SQL is developed by Microsoft Corporation.
And MySQL was created by MySQL AB but is currently acquired and owned by Oracle Corporation.
2. Based on the function
SQL is a structured query language that manages and retrieves data from a database system.
On the other hand, MySQL is a relational database system that uses SQL to query data from databases.
3. Based on syntax and format
In SQL, the syntax and format are fixed, declarative, and easy to use. Start with a clause and end with a semicolon.
MySQL is software and not a programming language. So it has no commands or specific format. However, there are the latest updates and versions of MySQL for higher performance.
4. Based on licensing/availability
SQL is proprietary software owned by Microsoft and is not open to others for free.
And MySQL is an open-source, free platform that anyone can access.
5. Based on platform support
SQL was created for Windows and works partially for Linux and macOS with its latest versions.
MySQL is cross-platform adaptable and works well for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
6. Based on language support
SQL itself is a programming language used for database systems. MySQL supports all primary programming languages ??like C, C++, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and many more.
7. Based on Storage Engine
SQL supports only one storage module for different operations
MySQL supports various storage engines and does not take up much space for multiple functions and processes. It also enables the plugin storage module.
8. Based on data security
SQL servers are secure as no third party or outsiders are allowed to manipulate the data.
MySQL is prone to more security threats due to its open-source nature. Allows unauthorized users access to data manipulation and modification at runtime.
9. Based on server and database
In SQL, servers and databases work independently. This lets users or interested parties work on the databases during recovery sessions.
MySQL servers do not work independently of databases and therefore block users' time to do anything else.
This feature allows less data manipulation or corruption when moving data between different software versions.
10. Based on data recovery
The time taken to restore data in SQL is less for extensive data.
In MySQL, the data recovery process is quite time-consuming and requires several SQL statements.
11. Based on query execution
SQL allows you to truncate a query even during execution without disabling the entire process.
On the other hand, MySQL does not allow you to cancel a question mid-performance. The user can revoke the query execution at the price of stopping the entire process.
12. Based on multilingualism
SQL is available in different languages.
And MySQL is only available in one language, English.
13. Based on connector support
SQL does not come with or support any connectors.
While MySQL comes with a built-in tool called MySQL Workbench that allows you to easily and quickly create, design, and build databases.
14. Based on flexibility
SQL supports user-defined functions and XML.
And MySQL does not support any user-defined functions and XML.
15. Based on community support
The only support for SQL issues and queries is the care of Microsoft support due to its highly protective use.
MySQL has excellent community support as it allows free access.
Besides SQL and MySQL, there is another term NoSQL.
NoSQL, initially referred to as non-SQL or non-relational, is a database that provides a mechanism for storing and retrieving data. This data is modeled other than the tabular relationships used in relational databases. Such databases were created in the late 1960s but only gained the nickname NoSQL with the increase in popularity at the beginning of the twenty-first century. NoSQL databases are used in real-time and big data web applications and their use is increasing over time. NoSQL systems are sometimes called not just SQL to emphasize that they can support SQL-like query languages.
Differences between SQL and NoSQL
SQL
- SQL is a RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RDBMS), whereas these databases have a fixed, static, or predefined schema.
- These databases are not suitable for hierarchical data storage.
- These databases are best fitted for complex queries.
- Vertically scalable
- Tracks the ACID property
- Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, etc.
NoSQL
- NoSQL is a non-relational or distributed database system.
- They have a dynamic scheme.
- These databases are best fitted for hierarchical data storage.
- These databases are not so reasonable for complex queries.
- Horizontally scalable
- Adheres to CAP (Consistency, Availability, Partition Tolerance)
- Examples: MongoDB, GraphQL, HBase, Neo4j, Cassandra, etc
Conclusion:
You have gone through the key differences between SQL and MySQL in this article. Despite the many differences, there is no one winning over the other. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. The final decision to choose one over the other depends on your specific requirements. Therefore, you should not learn the difference between SQL and MySQL with the mindset of choosing one over the other. Instead, you should know the differences to familiarize yourself with both database management tools' basic syntax and usage.