MySQL vs MSSQL

Difference Between MySQL and MSSQL

MySQL vs MSSQL is relational database management systems (RDBMS). RDBMS is a piece of software that stores information in a tabular format i.e. rows and columns. Each row and column is called a record and field respectively. Structured Query Language (SQL) is the means to interact with database systems for the creation, updating, and deletion of data.

MySQL

MySQL was initially released by the Sweden based firm MySQL AB in 1995 as an open-source RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). Later, Oracle Corporation acquired the MySQL AB. Currently, the open-source variant of the MySQL is available under the terms of GNU GPL (General Public License) and the proprietary version is governed by the terms of Oracle Inc., of course, with additional functionalities. MySQL is one of the components of the open-source LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python/Perl) web development technology stack. Owing to its high performance, MySQL is widely used by large technology giants in varieties of applications including TYPO3, MODx, Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube, among others.

MSSQL

MSSQL Server is a proprietary RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) developed by Microsoft. It was initially introduced in 1989. MSSQL is primarily written in C and C++. Microsoft offers a variety of MSSQL editions suitable for the differing requirements of software development projects which may range from small data storage needs to enterprise level applications simultaneously accessed by millions of users. MSSQL was originally intended for Windows and is usually a part of the Windows environment.

Head To Head Comparison Between MySQL and MSSQL (Infographics)

Below is the top 9 difference between MySQL vs MSSQL

Key differences between MySQL and MSSQL

Both are popular choices in the market; let us discuss some of the major difference:

• Both MySQL vs MSSQL work well on Linux and Windows environment. However, MSSQL was originally developed for windows platform while MySQL natively integrates with Linux and LAMP technology stack.
• GNU GPL edition of MySQL is freely available with source code. Whereas MSSQL is a proprietary software, its use entails purchasing licenses which in turn costs significantly for enterprise applications with multiple databases.
• Both MySQL vs MSSQL Server behave well with multiple programming languages. Both RDBMS can be integrated with Java, PHP, C++, Python, Ruby, Visual Basic, Delphi, Go and R. However, MySQL additionally supports certain programming languages like Perl and Haskel which make it more popular among a wide range of developer community.
• MySQL supports a wide range of storage engines. In addition, a programmer has at his disposal an alternative to use a plug-in storage engine. In contrast, MSSQL offers only one storage engine. Thus, MySQL offers better flexibility in terms of storage engine.
• MSSQL empowers users to avail the benefit of row-based filtering which is achieved in a database by database way. At the same time, filtered data is temporarily held in a separate database. In comparison, MySQL requires users to filter rows, tables or users by individual databases. Hence, the filtering mechanism used in MSSQL is more optimized.
• In MySQL, data backup is a cumbersome process. Back-ups are usually taken as SQL statements, though, minimizes the chances of data corruption in upgrading one edition of MySQL to the other. But, execution of multiple SQL statements while taking backup restoration is time-consuming. On the other hand, MSSQL neither blocks the database during back-up nor does the developer required to bear a time consuming back process making it simpler and straight-forward.
• MySQL does not allow users to interrupt a query execution midway i.e. once a SQL query has been fired it must run its course. While MSSQL users can control the query execution and bring it to halt before its completion. MSQL transaction engine gives this functionality to the developers.
• Both MySQL and MSSQL stores data as binary collections. MySQL allows other processes to access and manipulate database files at runtime. However, MSSQL does not offer access and manipulation of its managed files. It constrains unauthorized access to the database binaries and securing the data integrity. On this count, MSSQL offers better security constraints than MySQL.
• MSSQL server is available in multiple editions ranging from Enterprise, Express, Web, Standard, Business intelligence, and Workgroup. While MySQL is mainly available as Community and Enterprise editions.
• MyISAM and InnoDB are the distinctive features of MySQL. These engines are configurable which allow the developer to perform very different design and programming. On the other hand, while creating a database programmer do not explicitly specify different engines.

MySQL vs MSSQL Comparison Table

The primary Comparison are discussed below:

The basis of comparison	MySQL	MSSQL
Parent company	MySQL AB introduced MySQL	Microsoft released MSSQL
License	Open source version is governed by GNU GPL and the proprietary edition by Oracle Inc.	A single proprietary edition is made available by Microsoft
Underlying language	C, C++	C, C++
Platform	Linux, Solaris, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD	Microsoft Windows server, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Performance	Offers robust performance for high-end applications	Similarity in performance and speed
Database model	Stores data as a table in rows and columns	Stores data as a table in rows and columns
Inter-table relationships	Use primary and foreign keys	Uses primary and foreign keys
Scalability	Flexible to handle increased transaction as the data size grows	Scalable enough to adapt to the increased transactions
Major implementation	Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, Google, Facebook, Flickr	Microsoft, Stack Overflow, MIT, Brilium Inc.

 Conclusion

In summary, both MySQL vs MSSQL are enterprise-grade RDBSs which are widely used for data storage backend. Both MySQL vs MSSQL offer an equivalent level of performance and speed for high transaction applications. Although, both MySQL vs MSSQL can be deployed on any platform, however, MySQL has better integration on all major platforms. The cost is another consideration which is a primary motivation before selection of a technology stack, here again, MySQL has an edge owing to the availability of its open source non-proprietary edition.

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