The world of business is becoming dominated by data. A well-prepared and properly kept database empowers businesses. It ensures centralized data management, efficient data retrieval and analysis, enhanced customer relationship management, increased capacity for flexibility, and data security and compliance.
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is widely used to help organizations and database administrators create relations between particular data sets and management tools.
This article will briefly explain SQL and some different and similar aspects of MSSQL and MySQL.
Table of Contents
What Is SQL?
SQL is an acronym for Structured Query Language. It’s used to access, manipulate, and retrieve data from a database. It was developed by IBM to easily query a database for adding, removing, updating, or altering.
In addition, SQL is used to manage multiple Relational Database Management Systems by writing queries and codes in SQL. Hence, you can create and change any database with schema creations.
MSSQL and MySQL are well-known and broadly used Database Management Systems (DBMS). MySQL is the first open-source RDBMS developed by Oracle., while MSSQL is a Microsoft-developed RDBMS.
Enterprises can choose from different versions of the MSSQL server depending on their budgets and necessities.
Similarities: MSSQL and MySQL
Now, we know that MSSQL and MySQL are relational databases with similarities. However, for developers, no matter which relational databases they specialize in, they appear quite the same at first glance. But in terms of architecture, they differ. So, let’s discuss some similarities they share –
- Tables: This factor is the base of any database, so MSSQL and MySQL use standard column and row-based data storage models in relational databases.
- Standard Performance: Databases are the backbone for storing and retrieving data instantly, and both offer high performance and good speed.
- Keys: MySQL and MSSQL use primary and foreign keys to create relationships between tables.
- Virtual Popularity: Both are the most common databases for use with web applications. When you sign up for hosting, you’re asked to choose between MSSQL and MySQL.
- High Scalability: MySQL and MSSQL can easily be scaled with your business growth. Both are suitable for small and large websites and can undertake large daily traffic and transactions.
- Syntax: Both platforms have similar syntax. However, some negligible differences exist in create, read, update, and delete statements.
- Flexibility: MySQL is compatible with Linux and Windows OS within the LAMP environment. On the other hand, MSSQL is highly preferred with Windows and as a part of the Windows environment.
Overall, both MSSQL and MySQL can handle large and small-scale projects. So, you can expect a similar performance level from both; it won’t matter which option you choose. The performance will primarily rely on your DBA’s ability to optimize queries and code.
Differences: MSSQL vs. MySQL
Real Compatibility
We know MSSQL was developed by the IT giant Microsoft exclusively for Windows OS. Recently, Microsoft made RDBMS available for both Linux and Mac OS so that enterprises can run the database system across three different platforms. However, users still cannot utilize some capabilities while running MSSQL servers on Mac OS X or Linux.
On the other hand, MySQL can run smoothly on multiple popular OS, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Programming Support
MySQL offers extended running support for languages like Perl, Tcl, Haskey, etc.
MSSQL supports programming languages like C++, JAVA, Ruby, Visual Basic, Delphi, R, etc.
Both databases are beneficial for Linux and Windows projects. MySQL tends to work natively with PHP, while MSSQL is mainly preferred for .NET frameworks.
Cost
As discussed above, MySQL is open source, which means it is a free option, but you must pay for support if you need it.
However, MSSQL comes with a cost. You will require licenses for servers running the platform, which makes it a little expensive.
MyISAM and InnoDB
These configurations for MySQL allow the developers to perform the activities based on design and programming.
Unfortunately, MSSQL doesn’t let you specify different engines when creating a database.
LINQ
In MySQL, you have to download third-party tools instead of using them.
MSSQL lets you set up your entity framework classes in .NET so that you can start with LINQ queries.
IDE Tools
Both have IDE tools, but you must match the right tool with the appropriate server. For example, MySQL has Enterprise Manager, while MSSQL utilizes Management Studio. These tools let you connect with the server and manage architecture, security, and table design configurations.
Binary Collections
Both are designed as binary collections. MySQL allows developers to use binaries to manipulate database files while running, and alternative processes can also manipulate database files at runtime.
The MSSQL server prevents you from manipulating or accessing binary and database files, so if you want them, you need to run an instance. This reduces the chances that hackers can manipulate data directly, making MSSQL superior to MySQL in terms of security.
Backup
When utilizing MySQL, data backup involves extracting it as an SQL statement. The RDBMS provides a tool to lock the database during backup, reducing the risk of data corruption when switching between various MySQL editions or versions. However, the downside is that data restoration can become time-consuming, requiring multiple SQL statements.
In comparison, MSSQL Server doesn’t block the database during data backup, allowing users to back up and restore vast amounts of data conveniently.
Limits Query Execution Freedom
MySQL doesn’t allow the users to kill or cancel a query once it starts running. Users must kill the complete process to stop the SQL query execution.
MSSQL users can truncate a database query while running without killing the complete process. Moreover, MSSQL uses a transactional engine to maintain a consistent state, giving MSSQL a notable advantage over MySQL.
Conclusion
Now you have a clear idea about SQL and the critical differences between MSSQL and MySQL. Hence, despite many differences, there is no clear winner, making it hard to state which is superior. Moreover, both have different benefits and drawbacks. So, the ultimate decision to use either MSSQL or MySQL will depend on your specific requirements.
