MySQL vs MariaDB is one of the most common database comparisons that you can find on the internet.
MySQL is an open-source database management system based on Structured Query Language. The database management system is utilized in a wide range of industry applications to handle large volumes of data.
MariaDB is also an open-source relational database management system currently being used as an alternative to MySQL database technology. It was released much later and boasts more features and functionalities than MySQL. To ensure compatibility and proper usage, it’s essential to know the version of your MySQL installation; you can learn how to do this in our guide on how to check MySQL version.
Key features of MariaDB
Here are some essential features of MariaDB.
1. Provides backward compatibility
MariaDB table data files are backwards compatible, meaning that they can use old interfaces or old clients without upgrading them to connect them to the new version.
2. A vast pool of storage engines
MariaDB features several storage engines that work with other relational database management systems.
3. Standard and popular querying language.
MariaDB uses popular and standard querying language like the Structured Query Language.
4. Provides Galera cluster technology
The technology creates a multi-primary replication solution through the certification of "write-sets." The technology ensures that all the transactions on the database are committed on the cluster nodes.
5. Supports many programming languages and can run on a wide range of operating systems.
6. Eliminates features that impact the performance of the database negatively.
7. Open-source
8. Percona server
9. New storage engine
10. Backups and restore
11. Analytical scalability
Advantages of MariaDB
Here are the different ways that MariaDB empowers businesses when it comes to database management.
1. User-friendly installation
MariaDB has two installation options: using it alongside an analytical processing platform and setting its ColumnStore as a standalone server. The platform installation does not require much deployment time that would otherwise interfere with your systems.
2. Supports big data
MariaDB offers support for big data operations. ColumnStore supports high-performance analytics of big data by enabling faster and more efficient queries while at the same time reducing data management expenses and delays.
3. Scalability
Scalability is among the critical benefits of MariaDB. The platform is designed to handle billions of rows and columns of data and produce results with speed. As your data grows, the system will expand to accommodate your needs.
Features of MySQL
The key features of MySQL include:
1. Relational Database Management System
This feature allows MySQL to use database normalization criteria to prevent redundancy in tables.
2. Open source
MySQL can be downloaded, modified, and used by anyone. The users can study the platform's source code and change it depending on the requirements.
3. Command and utility programs
MySQL features several command and utility programs such as command lines like MySQL Workbench and mysqladmin.
4. Support for large databases
MySQL supports large databases containing millions of records and rows and thousands of tables.
Other features that the platform provides include web and data warehouse strengths.
MySQL Benefits
Some of the advantages of using MySQL for database management include.
1. Ease of use
MySQL is easy to use and only requires basic knowledge of Structured Query Language to build and interact with the platform.
2. Security
MySQL features a layer of security that provides users with data protection by authenticating services, secure connections, data encryption, and detailed authorization and controls.
3. Free download
Your company does not have to incur any costs acquiring MySQL as it is free to download from the official website.
4. Scalability
The platform is multi-threading which makes it scalable. You can count on the platform to support any amount of data that your company holds. The default data file size limit is 4GB; more so, the space is expandable to 8TB.
5. High speed
MySQL is one of the fastest database management systems.
6. Flexibility
One of the most significant benefits of MySQL is flexibility. The flexibility of the database management system ensures the efficient running and management of applications embedded in it.
7. Compatibility with operating systems
MySQL is compatible with a wide range of operating systems which saves businesses the costs of purchasing new hardware and software compatible with the system.
8. High performance
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable database management system, then MySQL would be ideal. Thanks to its unique storage engine architecture.
Difference between MariaDB and MySQL
While there might be some differences between the two database management systems, they meet similar standard enterprise requirements. More so, you can migrate from MySQL to MariaDB without significant modifications.
For those looking to enhance their MySQL skills, check out our guide on how to create a user in MySQL to get started with user management in this powerful database system.
Here are some of the features to consider when comparing the two systems:
1. Storage
One of the main differences between the two platforms is in storage. MariaDB has more storage engines than MySQL, with MariaDB having 12 new storage engines. This makes MariaDB more suitable for large volumes of data.
2. Open source
One of the other differences between MySQL and MariaDB manifests in its distribution. While both platforms are open source, MySQL has proprietary codes, which means it has some restrictions.
3. Connection pool
Connection pools enhance the connection management of databases while at the same time reducing the development of tasks to allow data access.
MariaDB has a broader connection pool that supports over 200,000 connections. MySQL has a smaller connection pool, making MariaDB boast better performance.
4. Replication performance
Replication allows data from a source known as the database server to be copied or replicated on one or more database servers. Replication rate is one of the performance metrics for database management systems, and in this case, MariaDB has faster replication.
This is thanks to the fact that the platform has an advanced and fast thread pool supporting hundreds of thousands of connections.
5. Data Masking and Dynamic column
MySQL may be considered more secure as it supports Data Masking and Dynamic column, preventing unauthorized access to data. Through data masking, data can be hidden through different access rules. MariaDB does not support Data Masking.
For those looking to implement MySQL in their projects, you can check out our guide on how to install MySQL on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions.
Take Away
To make a quick comparison of MySQL vs MariaDB, MariaDB is faster than MySQL. The platform is also easier to scale and ideal for large data sizes. If you are looking for additional features and a powerful database management system, MariaDB would be the most recommended choice.
If you have already acquired MySQL, there may be no need to move. However, MariaDB would be a more lucrative choice if you are just getting started. To help you get started with MariaDB, check out our comprehensive tutorial on how to install MariaDB on Ubuntu, which provides step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth setup.
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