An RDBMS is a better version of a DBMS. It uses a storage engine software to store, manage, and change data. Unlike a DBMS, which stores data like a file, an RDBMS organizes data in tables. This table setup helps avoid duplicate data issues that DBMS can have with keys and indexes.
MySQL and MariaDB are examples of RDBMS. The next parts will talk more about these relational database systems and how they're different.
What is MariaDB?
MariaDB is a free version of MySQL that started in 2009. It's like a better and more compatible version of MySQL, with extra features and improvements in security and performance. MariaDB does everything MySQL does, but it also adds some more cool stuff.
Switching from MySQL to MariaDB is easy for many programs, including WordPress. The software you're already using, like CMS tools and apps such as phpMyAdmin, will still work smoothly with MariaDB. You can also move your data back and forth without any problems.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a type of database that started in 1995. Back then, Microsoft and Oracle had popular solutions for databases.
MySQL is a free and open-source database system that uses Structured Query Language (SQL). It's one of the most commonly used databases globally, even though there are other options. It's made in C/C++, and it became popular because it's free and open to everyone.
However, when Oracle bought Sun Microsystems, some of the people working on MySQL thought there might be a problem because Oracle also had a commercial database called Oracle Database Server.
Differences Between MySQL and MariaDB
Many things led to the creation of MariaDB. One big reason was the worry that Oracle might control MySQL to favor its more profitable main product.
Other reasons were to make sure MySQL stayed free and open to everyone. Now, MariaDB is entirely free and open, following the GPL license, with all its features. On the other hand, MySQL uses a dual-license approach.
| Parameter | MariaDB | MySQL |
| Language |
It's made using C, C++, Perl, and Bash
|
It is written in C and C++. |
| Speed Improvement |
MariaDB is faster than MySQL.
|
MySQL is slower compared to MariaDB. |
| Larger and Faster Connection | MariaDB has an advanced thread pool that can run faster and support over 200,000 connections. |
MySQL's thread pool can't handle up to 200,000 connections at once. |
| Improved Replication |
In MariaDB, replication is more secure and faster. Upgrades are also 2 times faster than in regular MySQL. |
MySQL's community version has limitations on connected threads, but its enterprise plan supports threads.
|
| New Features/Extensions |
MariaDB has new features and extensions, including JSON and KILL statements.
|
Not all new features in MariaDB are available in MySQL. |
| Data masking & Dynamic column | Data masking and dynamic columns are not supported in MariaDB. | MySQL supports data masking and dynamic columns. |
| Faster cache/indexes |
The Memory storage engine in MariaDB is an advantage, making INSERT statements about 24% faster than standard MySQL.
|
MySQL's memory storage is relatively slow compared to MariaDB. |
| Secondary Database Model | Document store and Graph DBMS. | Document |
Who Uses MariaDB and MySQL?
MySQL and MariaDB are widely used relational database systems around the world.
Big companies like YouTube, GitHub, Spotify, Netflix, and NASA use MySQL. MySQL also works closely with tech companies like Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Amazon Web Services, IBM, Microsoft, and Zapier.
On the other hand, MariaDB is used by Wikipedia, Google, CentOS, and Verizon. It partners with well-known IT solutions like Google Cloud, Red Hat, Qualcomm, and SanDisk.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, MariaDB and MySQL are strong and dependable database systems. The right one for you depends on what your project needs and priorities are. If you look closely at the factors we talked about, you can make a smart choice about which database system is the best fit for what you're doing.
