MySQL/MariaDB Introduction

What is MySQL

MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses SQL (Structured Query Language) as its data processing language. MySQL was developed as open source software. This means that users can freely use, modify, and redistribute the software.
MySQL is known for its speed, stability, and ability to handle large amounts of data. It is commonly used as a database in web application development and is very popular among developers using the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).

What is MariaDB

MariaDB is a fork of MySQL developed by the open-source community, led by Michael Widenius. The fork came about in response to concerns that Oracle would monopolize or change the direction of MySQL development after the acquisition.
Like MySQL, MariaDB is also an RDBMS and is compatible with most tools and applications that use MySQL. The difference lies in some performance enhancements and features added by the MariaDB developer community.

Difference between MySQL and MariaDB

1. Ownership:

• MySQL is owned by Oracle Corporation.
• MariaDB is developed and maintained by the open-source community, with support from MariaDB Corporation.

2. Compatibility:
MariaDB maintains compatibility with MySQL up to a certain version. However, with newer versions, differences in features and development start to show.

3. New Features:
MariaDB introduces several new features not present in MySQL, such as several additional storage engines (Aria, ColumnStore), improved replication, and better performance in some scenarios.

4. License:
Both continue to use an open-source license, but MariaDB continues to encourage contributions from a wider community compared to MySQL under Oracle.

Conclusion

MySQL and MariaDB are two database management systems that are very popular among web application developers. MySQL is a system that has been established since the mid-1990s and continues to grow under Oracle. MariaDB emerges as an alternative that retains its strong open-source essence and adds various features and enhancements that make it an attractive option, especially for those who want to maintain freedom in managing databases.