Difference between SQL and MYSQL
Find out the difference between SQL and MYSQL to know which one is better.
To discuss the difference between SQL and MYSQL, it is important to first look at them individually, such as what is SQL and what is MySQL to understand them widely.
What is SQL?
SQL is a language which is used to operate the database. SQL is the common language used in all databases. There is minor syntax change amongst different databases, but the basic SQL syntax remains almost the same. The full form of SQL is Structured Query Language. According to the American National Standards Institute, SQL is the standard language to operate a relational database management system.
SQL is used to access, update, and manipulate data in a database. Its design allows for the management of data in an RDBMS, such as MYSQL. SQL is used for controlling data access and for building or modifying database schemes.
What is MySQL?
Created in the mid-90s, MySQL was one of the first and foremost open-source databases available in the market. Today, there are many optional variants of MySQL. But, the differences between the variants are not significant as they use the same syntax, and basic functionality also remains almost the same.
MySQL is an RDBMS that allows keeping the data that is available in a database organized. MySQL is pronounced as “My S-Q-L,” however it is also called “My Sequel.” It is named after co-founder Michael Widenius’ daughter. MySQL gives multi-user access to databases. This RDBMS system is used with a mixture of PHP and Apache Web Server, on top of a Linux distribution. MySQL actually uses the SQL language to query the database.
Now, the main difference between SQL and MySQL is that SQL is a database language to manage or handle data in a relational database while MySQL is an Open Source Relational Database Management System that helps to manage or handle relational databases.
In other words, SQL is the standard database language for MySQL. Some main examples for other common RDBMS are MSSQL, Oracle and DB2.
Here below are some key differences between SQL and MySQL as follows;
- SQL is a language which is used to operate the database. Meanwhile, MySQL was previously one of the first open-source databases available in the market
- SQL is used in the accessing, updating, and manipulation of data in a database. However, MySQL is an RDBMS that allows keeping the data that is available in a database organized
- SQL is a Structured Query Language, whereas MySQL is a RDBMS to save, retrieve, modify and administrate any database.
- SQL is a query language but MYSQL is database software.
- MySQL is software, therefore it’s just important to know how to use it. While, in the case of SQL, it is only important to learn the language.
- In MySQL, there is something called MySQL Workbench that can give the user an interface that can be used to work for various database operations only by clicking some buttons. But in SQL, user needs to write the query.
- Because MySQL is software, it will get various updates on a regular basis. However, in SQL, the commands are always the same or very much similar.
Let’s just discuss the differences between SQL and MySQL via topics
Native Compatibility
SQL Server was developed exclusively for the Windows operating system by Microsoft. Microsoft has recently created RDBMS available on both Mac OS X and Linux. This provides enterprises with an alternative to running the database system on three different platforms. Howey, users still lack the option to use some capabilities when running SQL Server on Mac OS X or Linux. Whereas MySQL can run smoothly on multiple popular operating systems like Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.
Support
Both MySQL and MSSQL support multiple programming languages which include Java, C++, PHP, Ruby, Python, Delphi, Visual Basic, Go, and R. MySQL supports some additional languages like Tcl, Scheme, and Perl, Eiffel, and Haskel. It is all due to MySQL being versatile in its support for programming languages. It is also popular among many developer communities.
While a user can use both database types for Windows and Linux projects, MySQL performs natively with PHP, and SQL is mainly used with the NET Integration is simpler if you use MySQL for PHP and SQL for Windows projects.
MyISAM and InnoDB
These engines are configurations for MySQL, which allows the developer to perform an array of design and programming activities. SQL does not allow users to specify different engines when the user builds a database.
Cost-Efficiency
MySQL is free and open-source, even though the user has to pay for support if required. SQL is very expensive to run because the user needs licenses for the server which is a must for running the software.
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