Difference Between SQL and MySQL

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MySQL is a Relational Database Management System (RDMS) that is used by database professionals when accessing and organising data. It can be likened to Microsoft’s SQL Server, Informix and Postgres in that it allows multiple users access to various databases. MySQL runs as it’s own server and it’s features and functions are accessed through an easy-to-use user interface.

Created in the 1970s by Chamberlin and Raymond Boyce, SQL (Structured Query Language) was the first commercially successful relational database language. Since then it has become the most commonly used database language around the world.

Below we will take a look at the differences between SQL and MySQL in order to gain some clarity on what each of these is used for and where to start when considering the study of either MySQL or Microsoft’s SQL Server.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is used in the manipulation and accessing of data in a database. It’s design allows for the management of data in a Relational Database Management System (RDMS), such as MySQL and it is considered the most popular language when working with an RDMS. SQL is used when querying data, updating data, controlling data access and during the creation and modification of schemas.

MySQL

MySQL is owned by Oracle Corporation and can be compared to Microsoft’s SQL Server. It is a relational database management system that allows the user to keep the data that exists in a database organised and easily accessible. SQL is used in an array of web applications – serving as the database component in a solution bundle.

If you are a user of social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr or YouTube, then your user data is stored and logged in that site’s database using MySQL. The C and C++ languages are what make up the MySQL code using multiple system platforms such s Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

 

SQL Server

Similar to MySQL, SQL Server – which is owned and developed by Microsoft Corporation, is also a Relational Database Management System. The first version was developed in 1989 and has since then seen many updates with the most current version being SQL Server 2016. This version is, however only supported on x64 processors.

The primary function of SQL Server is the storage and access of data as it is requested by other applications, whether they are running on other computers that are connected to a network, or the computer on which the server is stored.

SQL Server is also available in various editions, making it possible to choose the edition that suits your specific needs. This includes mainstream editions such as the Enterprise, Standard, Web and Business Intelligence editions. Specialised editions include Azure, Developer, Evaluation and Fast Track.

Download the latest version of SQL Server here.

Should I study MySQL or SQL Server?

Both MySQL and SQL Server have their pros and cons, so it may be difficult to decide which of these to study when starting a career as a database professional.

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SQL Server

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Good graphical user interface when compared to other databases, which ensures that it is more user friendly.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Supports high availability and includes stored procedures, distributed processing and triggers.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Versions 2005, 2008 (R2), 2012, 2014 and 2016 are fully supported by Microsoft, but SQL Server is not free.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Redundancy can be circumvented with replication schemes.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Superior in it’s number of reports.

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MySQL

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Designed to handle a great amount of databases present on a single computer and it’s compatible with many platforms, including Windows.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Supports high availability and includes stored procedures, distributed processing and triggers.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Open source but this means there are literally millions of instances of MySQL that need to be supported.

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Redundancy can be circumvented, however, it has limited replication

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[/stm_icon_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Includes a pluggable storage engine architecture.

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Conclusion

Although there is merit in studying either SQL Server or MySQL, there is a far greater recognition of SQL Server skills in the recruitment environment, leading to more lucrative careers and a greater demand for SQL Server professionals. Though SQL Server needs to be bought, many organisations consider it to be a worthwhile investment, seeing as it is fully supported and easy to use and understand.

SQL Server has been a trusted name for many years, offering database professionals the vital tools that they need to ensure their databases stay organised and easy to access with the added benefit of having a certification on their CV that is internationally recognised and sought after.