MySQL

5 min readJun 20, 2021

MySQL is an open source relational database management system (RDBMS). RDBMS software works with a computer’s operating system to create a relational database in the computer’s storage system, manage users, allow for network access, facilitate testing the database integrity, and create backups. In this article, the history of MySQL, SQL, MySQL functionality, MySQL architecture, and MySQL pros and cons will be discussed.

What is MySQL?: A History and Description

MySQL was originally developed in 1994 the Swedish company MySQL AB. My is the name of cofounder Monty Widenius’ daughter. MySQL AB was acquired in 2008 by Sun Microsystems, which was then bought by Oracle in 2010.

MySQL, as it is a RDBMS, allows the user to create and manage relational databases, and it is backed by Oracle. It is one of the most popular in the category RDBMS software that employs the client-server model, and is used by 90% of websites. MySQL is used for storage purposes by many large sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo!, Wordpress, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Wikipedia. MySQL supports various data types including character-string, numeric, bit-string, date and time, boolean, and timestamp.

MySQL is open source, meaning it is free to use and the user can change source code to tailor the software to suit their needs. Users can opt to purchase a commercial license from Oracle in order to gain access to premium services. MySQL is compatible with many platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu, and UNIX.

SQL

Although MySQL is written in C and C++, the primary language used to interact with MySQL is SQL(structured query language). SQL is the language of relational of relational databases, the mode of communication used between the client and the server. Originally developed by computer scientist Ted Codd in the early 1970s, SQL is still in use today to add, access, identify, and manage content in a database, which is a collection of structured data. Data in a database is organized into tables. A relational database is a database where tables are connected to one another by using a relationship. This relationship can be one-to-one or one-to-many.

How does MySQL work?

Computers that install and run an RDBMS are called clients. When the client needs to access data, they connect to the RDMBS and connect to the server, which is the basis of the client-server model. The image above shows basic client-server interaction structure.

One or more clients can make an request from the graphical user interface(GUI) on its screen, and, given that both ends are given understandable instruction, results in the retrieval of the desired output from the server. There are 4 main processes in the MySQL environment.

First, MySQL creates a database that is used for storing and manipulating data as well as defining the relationships between each table. Second, clients can make requests using SQL statements in MySQL. Finally, the server application will respond with the requested information which will appear on the client side. Popular MySQL GUIs include MySQL Workbench, SequelPro, DBVisualizer, and Navicat DB Admin Tool. The user should select a GUI based on their specific needs.

Why is MySQL so Popular?

While MySQL is not the only RDBMS on the market, it is second only in popularity to Oracle. There are many many reasons why MySQL is so prolific.

MySQL, as discussed previously, is compatible with many platforms.
MySQL is open source. Since it is free and the source code can be adapted by the user, this makes MySQL accessible to all and the fact that it can be tailored to the needs of the user is also a plus.
MySQL is flexible and easy to use. MySQL is easy to master compared to Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Server. It also has an easy install process.
MySQL is inherently high performance. As it is backed by a wide array of cluster servers, MySQL can work smoothly with optimum speed. Think of MySQL as a racecar that is stripped of rear seating in order to make it go faster. The developers of MySQL prioritized speed and performance over the capabilities when developing this software.
MySQL is excellent in terms of availability and scalability considering its ability to be replicated and an distributed. This makes MySQL very powerful.
MySQL is a standard in the industry. As mentioned above, many tech giants rely on MySQL. Additionally, many industries have used MySQL for years. These facts, combined with the fact that MySQL has a robust developer community, results in the fact that MySQL being one of the most well-documented database systems on the market.
MySQL is secure, as it set the bar very high with its Access Privilege System and its User Account Management tools. Additionally, host-based verification and password encryption are available features.

What is MySQL great for?

MySQL is great for, and was primarily designed for, web applications, and it is particularly good for structured, well-planned web applications. Additionally, MySQL is great for use by newer and smaller companies without a sophisticated data team due to its ubiquity, reliability, and high performance capabilities. Smaller companies and startups are able to utilize MySQL by creating a replica of a production MySQL database and using it as an analytical database.

MySQL

What is MySQL?: A History and Description

SQL

How does MySQL work?

Why is MySQL so Popular?

What is MySQL great for?

References

Written by Rachel Andersen