Thanks to the advancements in technology and the Covid Pandemic, there has been a massive rise in the popularity of the web and the businesses hosted on it. According to Forbes, this age of digitalisation is reinventing almost everything. There has also been a magnanimous growth in the demand for creating and storing data and analysing and securing it to make intelligent decisions that influence the growth of enterprises. This demand has, in turn, led to the requirement of tools, programming languages, and systems like SQL and MySQL. In this article, we will talk about what SQL and MySQL are, their benefits, and the significant differences between the two.
What is SQL?
SQL stands for “Structured Query Language”. It is a unique programming language that offers functionalities like storing, retrieving as well as managing data in RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). SQL is essential for managing and communicating with databases. You can easily add, delete, update, or manage data in a database using the programming language. Once you learn the basics of SQL, you can conveniently handle whichever database your organisation uses. The language is preferred by many individuals and companies primarily because it is very portable, provides faster processing of queries, and is highly efficient in managing databases.
Advantages of SQL:
- It is a user-friendly language, i.e., to retrieve data from a database using SQL, you do not require in-depth knowledge about lengthy codes.
- It is very portable as it is not machine-dependent. You can use it on all major platforms. You can also embed it into other applications if and when needed.
- It is a simple language that anyone can quickly learn. Users can receive answers to even the most complicated queries within a few seconds.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a renowned open-source RDBMS that allows users to manage relational databases conveniently. The famous platform uses SQL-based code queries to perform tasks and actions on a database. It is a fast and reliable RDBMS that offers robust features that make managing databases seamless. Besides this, You can also use MySQL to handle and manage Golang projects. Similar in structure and syntax to C, Golang or Go is one of the most preferred programming languages for cloud services and computing. To know more about how you can use MySQL to manage Go-based projects, click https://setapp.com/how-to/use-go-with-mysql.
MySQL also offers top-tier data security, which is one of the many reasons why major companies like Facebook and Google use it to manage their data.
Advantages of MySQL:
- It is an open-source platform that anyone can use to manage databases.
- It features top-tier security firewalls and protocols, which keep users’ data safe.
- It is a versatile RDBMS that runs on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Differences between SQL and MySQL:
There are numerous differences between SQL and MySQL in terms of different aspects. Here are some of the differences:
- Functionality
SQL is an interactive programming language used to manage a Relational Database Management System. On the other hand, MySQL is an open-source RDBMS that uses SQL to manage databases efficiently.
- Developers
SQL is a programming language developed by Microsoft. MySQL AB initially developed MySQL. However, Oracle Corporation acquired it in 2010, and thus it is now owned and managed by the multinational company.
- Versatility
SQL was initially designed for operating only on Windows. However, it works partially on Linux OS and macOS with the latest update. MySQL is an immensely versatile software that works exceedingly well across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Security
SQL servers are highly secure mainly because no access is provided to third-party applications or websites, and therefore, data manipulation is not possible. Since MySQL is an open-source platform, it is more susceptible to cyber threats and security breaches. It provides access to even unauthorised users while it is running.
- Syntax and Formatting
When it comes to SQL, both the programming language’s syntax and format are rigid. They are effortless to learn and use and are declarative. It begins with a clause and ends with a semicolon. MySQL is entirely different from SQL in this aspect as it is open-source software and not a coding language.
- Technical Assistance
Since Microsoft Corp. owns SQL, the only assistance users can get regarding issues with the language is from the company’s support team. On the other hand, since MySQL is an open-source platform, excellent community support from the RDBMS is available.
Both SQL and MySQL are remarkable in their regards. Since they are entirely different entities, it is not possible to conclude which one is better. They are very similar when it comes to achieving scalability and maximising efficiency. Both are very popular among their specific audiences as they are both exceptional at what they do.