MySQL is an open source relational database management system, and it is one of the most popular databases in the world. MySQL is Oracle's global system for managing databases. It is based on relational algebra and is mainly used to store web service data. Well-known CMSs that use MySQL include WordPress and TYPO3. The advantages of MySQL include high performance, reliability, scalability, and ease of use, making it the database of choice for many businesses and websites. MySQL also has a wide range of application areas, including Web applications, e-commerce, finance, medical care, education and other fields.
MySQL database
Definition of MySQL
As the name suggests, MySQL is a SQL-based database management system, or DBMS. The open source software is now maintained by Oracle, the same company that developed the Java programming language.
MySQL can store, manage and display data in tables. It works as a client-server system. While a database acts as a server that stores all relevant information, software can be thought of as a client. Using this software, users of relational databases can formulate various queries in the SQL query language and send them to the database system. These are then handled by MySQL, which is why data access is also an important part of MySQL
MySQL is characterized by a high degree of platform independence. You can use MySQL on more than 20 different platforms, including the popular operating systems Windows, macOS, and Linux. Also, installing MySQL is very simple.
A brief history of MySQL
MySQL was developed by the Swedish company MySQL AB in 1994 and released a year later. The name of the database system is composed of the founder's daughter's name (My) and the central language of the database system (SQL). The database system is written in the programming languages C and C++. The current version of MySQL 8 is available from 2018.
MySQL AB was acquired by Sun Microsystems in 2008. Two years later, Sun Microsystems was acquired by Oracle. To this day, MySQL is maintained and further developed by Oracle. Shortly before the acquisition, MySQL spin-off MariaDB was created under the leadership of MySQL founder Michael Widenius. This time, the founder named it after his youngest daughter Maria.
However, since MySQL was taken over by Oracle, the database system has received more criticism. This is mainly due to the constant changes between free and paid versions of the database system. Because of this, MariaDB and MySQL have been competing with each other.
How does MySQL work?
Databases are used to represent real-life datasets in a non-contradictory, logically coherent, and consistent manner. The database management system MySQL is based on the so-called relational algebra. Here, the data records are represented in tabular form and linked to each other. The advantage of this is that redundancy can be avoided by using a smaller dataset. Handling of duplicates has also been simplified.
Relationships between data can be queried using SQL. You can use many different commands to select and evaluate data, or enter it into a new table.
Applications of MySQL
MySQL is part of the so-called LAMP stack. This describes a set of technologies used for web services, such as Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Database systems are primarily used to store web service data in relational tables. Create a separate table for each data record. Queries can then be formulated using relational algebra and the SQL query language, allowing you to link data records from multiple tables to each other.
MySQL is also used by some big companies such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Many content management systems, like WordPress or TYPO3, are based on MySQL and use its database management system.
Tip
MySQL is also part of the Apache distribution XAMPP, which can be used to set up and manage your own databases.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of MySQL database
The MySQL database is a powerful open source database with the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantage:
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Open source and free: MySQL database is an open source and free database, which can reduce the cost of enterprises and improve the competitiveness of enterprises.
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High performance: The MySQL database uses an efficient storage engine and indexing technology, which can quickly process large amounts of data and improve database performance.
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Scalability: It supports distributed architecture and cluster deployment, and can be easily expanded and upgraded to meet the growing data needs of enterprises.
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Multi-language support: Support multiple programming languages, such as Java, Python, PHP, etc., which can be easily developed and integrated.
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High security: MySQL database supports a variety of security mechanisms, such as user rights management, data encryption, etc., to ensure data security.
shortcoming:
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Limited ability to handle large amounts of data: When MySQL databases handle large amounts of data, performance may be affected, and optimization and adjustments are required.
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Distributed transactions are not supported: Distributed transactions are not supported, which may cause data consistency problems.
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Insufficient storage engines: MySQL databases have relatively few storage engines, which may not be able to meet certain specific needs.
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High concurrency performance is limited: In the case of high concurrency, performance may be affected and needs to be optimized and adjusted.
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Unstable community support: Community support may not be stable enough, which may affect its development and updates.
In general, the MySQL database is a powerful, high-performance, safe and reliable database, but there are still some deficiencies in handling large data volumes, high concurrency performance, storage engines, etc., which need to be optimized and improved.