Introduction
MySQL is an open-source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It is used to store, organize, and manage data in a structured way using tables (rows & columns).
- Relational Database → Data is stored in tables, and tables can be related to each other using primary keys and foreign keys.
- SQL (Structured Query Language) → MySQL uses SQL to interact with data (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
- Open Source → Free to use, with community and enterprise editions.
- Cross-platform → Works on Windows, Linux, macOS.
- Widely used → Powers many web applications like WordPress, Facebook (initially), YouTube, etc.
- Client-server model → MySQL server handles database operations while clients (applications, users) interact with it via SQL.
- ACID compliance (when using InnoDB engine) → Ensures data reliability and integrity in transactions.
Why Use MySQL?
- Reliability & Stability
- MySQL has been used for decades in production systems.
- Known for stable performance even with large datasets.
- Ease of Use
- Simple to install and configure.
- SQL is a widely known language, so developers can quickly learn and use it.
- Open Source & Cost-effective
- Completely free to use (community edition).
- Enterprise editions with support are also available from Oracle.
- High Performance
- Optimized for web applications that need to handle millions of queries daily.
- Indexing, query optimization, and caching features improve speed.
- Cross-Platform & Integration
- Works with many programming languages: PHP, Python, Java, C#, etc.
- Runs on all major operating systems.
- Scalability
- Can handle small projects (like a single-user application) as well as large, high-traffic websites.
- Security
- Built-in user authentication, SSL support, and privileges system.