Difference Between SQL and MySQL: An Overview
According to data, SQL at present is the third most popular language for programming and MySQL is the second most famous relational database management system (RDBMS). While these two are related, they are two different entities.
A database is a structured or well-organized collection of related data that is kept in a way that makes it simple to access, retrieve, manage, and change. Large volumes of data can be efficiently stored and accessed using databases, which can be configured to handle a variety of data kinds and complexity levels.
Some popular examples of databases are MySQL, MongoDB, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. Database management systems are used to manage these databases. (DBMS). Let’s have a closer look at the difference between SQL and MySQL.
What is SQL?
SQL (Structured Query Language) has been in use since the 1970s. It is a programming language used for storing and manipulating data in relational databases. Users can create, change, and query databases, among a host of other functions, using SQL.
SQL is a standard language that is compatible with any RDBMS that supports SQL. Different relational database management systems (RDBMS), including MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, can be utilized with SQL.
All database management tasks, like creating tables, entering data, updating data, and removing data, can be performed using SQL.
What is MySQL?
MySQL was released in 1995 and has since become one of the most famous open-source relational databases in the world. Applications such as Netflix, Facebook, Airbnb, Twitter, and Uber are all powered by MySQL.
MySQL is an RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) that applies SQL as its query language. Transaction management, user-defined functions, and triggers are just a few of the features that MySQL offers. Additionally, it provides a selection of storage engines, including InnoDB, MyISAM, and MEMORY.
MySQL is an excellent choice for a dependable and expandable database management system.
Difference Between SQL and MySQL
SQL and MySQL are two of the most popular and significant tools in the business for database management. While they might sound and look familiar, there are major differences between the two that can significantly affect how data is stored, retrieved, and managed. You can pursue a SQL course to learn more about SQL vs MySQL, and how these two are applied in programming, Let’s look at the differences between them –
| SQL | MySQL |
| SQL is a query language used to control RDBMS. | SQL is used by MySQL, a relational database management system. |
| SQL is mainly used to operate database systems. | With MySQL, you can manage, store, modify, delete, and store data. |
| SQL does not support any connector. | A built-in tool called MySQL Workbench makes it simpler to plan, construct, and create databases. |
| SQL follows a clear standard format that isn’t altered frequently. | There are several variations and frequent updates to MySQL. |
| SQL supports a single storage engine. | In addition to plug-in storage, MySQL supports a variety of storage engines, increasing its flexibility. |
| Other processors, even their own binaries, are not permitted to alter data while SQL is being executed. | MySQL is less secure than SQL because it permits execution-time data file manipulation by outside processors. |
| SQL is a domain-specific query language. | MySQL is an RDBMS that employs SQL to access data from the database. |
| One can carry out operations to retrieve and modify data that has been stored in a database using SQL. | MySQL organizes the storage of the existing data into several MySQL tables. |
| SQL is utilized to create database queries. | MySQL makes it easier to store, modify, and manage data in a tabular format |
| SQL does not have any community support. | MySQL offers large and robust community support since it is an open-source platform |
| SQL is open-source software, which means it can be used by anybody. | MySQL on the other hand is owned by Oracle which means you would need some kind of licensing. |
| SQL is a high-level language, running queries requires the usage of an interpreter or compiler, which can result in slower performance. | MySQL is a compiled language, which enables performance to be enhanced for certain hardware and operating systems. |
Can SQL Only Be Used With MySQL?
The standard language SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to communicate with relational database management systems. SQL can be used with databases other than MySQL, such as
- Oracle Database: Oracle is a well-known database system that supports both SQL and its own exclusive SQL variation, PL/SQL.
- Microsoft SQL Server: Microsoft created SQL Server, a database management system that uses SQL as its primary language for communicating with databases.
- PostgreSQL: SQL is supported by PostgreSQL, an open-source object-relational database management system.
- SQLite: SQL functionality is provided via SQLite, a compact file-based database management system.
- IBM DB2: IBM’s DB2 is a well-known database management system that supports SQL.
- MariaDB: MariaDB is a derivative of MySQL that gives certain extra features not found in MySQL and supports SQL.
Only a few database systems that support SQL are shown in the list below. Other database systems that accept SQL include numerous others that are both open-source and paid.
SQL vs MySQL
Both SQL and MySQL have differences and choosing one depends on the need. Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of SQL and MySQL to help make a better choice-
Advantages of SQL
Here are some of the advantages of using SQL-
- No Coding Knowledge Required – Writing long lines of code is not required in SQL. You can use basic commands like INTO, SELECT, UPDATE, etc, which makes SQL very easy to use.
- Versatile – SQL can be used with any programming language and is adaptable with almost every relational database management system.
- Quicker Query Response – Data can be swiftly and effectively retrieved no matter how large is the volume. Data alteration, deletion, and other operations can be completed in no time.
- Portability – SQL can be used on any operating system such as Windows, Mac, or Linux and it can be used on any kind of device such as tablets, PCs, laptops, etc. which gives the user a lot of flexibility.
Advantages of MySQL
Here are some of the advantages of using MySQL-
- Open Source – MySQL is an open-source platform, which means it is completely free to use and you do not need to worry about any restrictions.
- Scalability – MySQL’s distinguishing feature is its capacity to scale on demand. Even in databases that hold terabytes of data, it manages deeply integrated applications with a small footprint.
- Security – Access control, user authentication, and encryption are a few of the security measures that MySQL offers to safeguard data from unauthorized access.
- 24X7 Uptime – With a guarantee of continuous uptime, MySQL offers a wide choice of high-availability options, such as specialized cluster servers and master/slave replication setups.
Conclusion
Despite the significant differences, no side can be considered superior. Both have advantages and disadvantages. To have the optimal output, it is advisable to combine them both. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your particular needs.
