PostgreSQL vs MySQL

Updated May 30, 2023

Difference Between PostgreSQL vs MySQL

The following article provides an outline for PostgreSQL vs MySQL. Relational databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL structure data into tables. When it comes to selecting an open-source relational database management system, the choice between PostgreSQL and MySQL is critical. PostgreSQL and MySQL are both tried-and-true databases that can compete with enterprise systems like Oracle and SQL Server. However, PostgreSQL can deal more with unusual database circumstances and high-volume data processing.

Differences between PostgreSQL vs MySQL

	PostgreSQL	MySQL
Basic	Open- Source and maintained by a volunteer.	Open-Source based System and run by Oracle corporation.
Handling	Easier	Much complicated
Database Type	It uses an object-relational database system.	MySQL prefers a relational database system.
Data Replication	Enables master standby capabilities with WAL operations.	Has master standby replication.
XML	Uses XML.	Doesn’t use XML.
Huge Datasets	Perfect choice for data science and machine learning.	OLAP/OLTP operations.
Security Option	The SE-PostgreSQL extension for PostgreSQL adds extra security restrictions based on the SELinux security strategy.	Uses access control security performance.
Backup	Online backup options.	Doesn’t offer a backup option.
Advantages	Because PostgreSQL is an extensive database management system, it is well suited to complex queries.	It’s suitable for both large and little projects.
Disadvantages	PostgreSQL requires a steep learning curve and little community assistance.	Has limited security benefits.

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is a relational database management system. It organizes data into rows, having columns representing various data properties. A table is a collection of connected rows. PostgreSQL supports both SQL (relational) and JSON (non-relational) querying. It distinguishes itself by emphasizing interfaces and extensibility. It is expandable since it interacts with other technologies and adheres to numerous database standards.

In a specific product, PostgreSQL can hold both structured and unstructured data. Unstructured data, such as that discovered in audio, emails, video, and social media comments, can be utilized to enhance customer support, discover new product requirements, and find methods to keep customers from leaving, among many other things. In addition, PostgreSQL capabilities include User-defined categories, Table inheritance, save items, and a sophisticated locking mechanism, which are all available in other enterprise-class database management systems.

Use the following command to see the syntax of a specific command:

postgres-# \help <command_name>

Using Function:

CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION totalsheet ()
RETURNS integer AS $Sum$
declare
Sum integer;
BEGIN
SELECT count(*) into Sum FROM List;
RETURN Sum;
END;
$Sum$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a highly deployed LAMP multi–dimensional construct (which includes a Linux-based operating system, an Apache web server, a MySQL database, and PHP for processing) that stores information in a wide variety of leading applications, sites, and applications. The data security and transactional processing support that comes with the newest version of MySQL can be extremely beneficial to any organization, particularly if it is an eCommerce firm with frequent currency transactions.

A relational database management system handles a popular and simplest database with memory usage, disc, and CPU consumption (RDMS). MySQL Community Edition is a free download backed by a vibrant online community.

Head to Head Comparison Between PostgreSQL vs MySQL (Infographics)

Below are the top 9 differences between PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

Key Difference Between PostgreSQL vs MySQL

Let us discuss some of the major key differences between PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

Now that we’ve covered the basics of PostgreSQL and MySQL, let’s compare and contrast the two database management systems.

• MySQL is known for its simplicity of use and speed, whereas PostgreSQL offers many more complicated capabilities; that’s why it’s sometimes referred to as an open-source clone of Oracle.
• PostgreSQL is an ACID-compliant database that supports views, triggers, foreign keys, and stored procedures in various languages. We will better understand how things function if we study SQL. Also, with SQL, we will be able to take on any database with ease.
• Extensibility is built into PostgreSQL. One can build data types, indexing types, operational languages, and so on in PostgreSQL.
• PostgreSQL is a more powerful database management system well-suited for a company that has to run complicated queries rapidly in a vast setting. MySQL, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for a corporation with a limited budget and infrastructure.
• PostgreSQL enables Master-Standby replication and has better WAL operations, enabling near-real-time replication and backup abilities with little latency for standby systems.
• PostgreSQL offers comprehensive data types like arrays, hstore, and user-defined data types, but MySQL primarily provides standardized data types (string, numeric, date, and time).
• MySQL is a multilevel database with a number of storage engines. PostgreSQL is a unified storage management server.
• MySQL uses IF and NULL statements, whereas Postgres SQL uses CASE statements instead. In addition, MySQL works in a single container and uses a single thread, but PostgreSQL runs in several processes.

Comparison Table of PostgreSQL vs MySQL

Let’s discuss the top comparisons between PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

	PostgreSQL	MySQL
Troubleshoot	PostgreSQL is a difficult database to troubleshoot.	MySQL is simple to diagnose since it has a friendly and helpful community.
Licence	PostgreSQL has no licencing fees; thus, there’s no risk of over-deployment.	Licensed under MIT.
JSON Support	While PostgreSQL also supports JSONB, a binary form of JSON that eliminates duplication keys and unnecessary whitespace.	Both MySQL and PostgreSQL accept JSON for storing and transporting data Postgresql.
Syntax	Based on SQL Standard.	No differences follow SQL Standard.
Programming Language	Supports high-level languages like Python, Erlang, and java.	Supports R, PHP, Java, and Perl.
Indexing	It includes Expression indexes and partial indexes.	Includes R-trees and B-trees.
Benefits	Has got rich features like highly scalable, good recovery option, and deep language support.	Versatility and support for unrestricted additional storage in a compact space, a High-performance open-source platform with flexibility.
Use Cases	In OLTP databases, federated hub, most importantly in geospatial.	Typical use cases include elastic replication and online transaction processing.
Companies	Apple, Cisco, Instagram	Netflix, Amazon, Uber

Conclusion

The choice is based on the organization’s or individual’s project criteria. When considering whether PostgreSQL or MySQL is preferable for their enterprise and particular use case, organizations should evaluate all of the above criteria.

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