About MySQL
MySQL is one of the most widely used open source relational databases. It stores data in tables and answers queries written in SQL.
What it does
MySQL runs as a database server that applications connect to for storing and reading structured data. It handles everyday transactions for websites, apps and business systems. It supports common SQL features such as joins, indexes, views and stored routines, so developers can move data logic close to the storage layer. Administrators can manage it with command line tools or with graphical clients that connect to the same server.
Key features
- Standard SQL queries over tables
- Transactions with reliable storage engines
- Replication to copy data between servers
- Client libraries for many programming languages
- Tools for backup, monitoring and administration
Who it's for
Web developers, backend teams and small businesses that need a well known relational database. It is also common in hosting setups and in products that embed a database inside their own software.
Pricing and good to know
The Community Server is free and open source, and it runs on Linux, Windows and macOS. The vendor also sells commercial editions that add advanced features, management tools and technical support. Larger deployments often need a plan for backups, upgrades and high availability, and those tasks are easier with the extra tooling in the paid editions.
Highlights
- Run standard SQL queries against relational tables
- Group several writes into one transaction
- Copy data to replica servers for read scaling and recovery
- Connect from most popular programming languages
- Back up and monitor servers with bundled tools
