Updated May 17, 2023
Difference Between MySQL and MSSQL
MySQL vs MSSQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS). RDBMS is 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 to create, update, and delete 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 MySQL AB. Currently, the open-source variant of 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
Microsoft developed MSSQL Server as a proprietary Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It was first introduced in 1989 and is primarily written in C and C++. Microsoft offers a variety of MSSQL editions suitable for the differing requirements of software development projects, ranging 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 differences:
- Both MySQL vs. MSSQL work well on Linux and Windows environments. However, MSSQL was originally developed for the 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 proprietary software, its use entails purchasing licenses, which costs significantly for enterprise applications with multiple databases.
- Both MySQL and MSSQL servers behave well with multiple programming languages. Java, PHP, C++, Python, Ruby, Visual Basic, Delphi, Go, and R are programming languages that can be integrated with RDBMS. However, MySQL additionally supports specific programming languages like Perl and Haskel, making it more popular among a wide range of developer communities.
- MySQL supports a wide range of storage engines. In addition, a programmer has an alternative to using a plug-in storage engine at his disposal. In contrast, MSSQL offers only one storage engine. Thus, MySQL provides better flexibility in terms of storage engines.
- MSSQL empowers users to take advantage of row-based filtering, which is achieved at the database level. In this approach, the filtered data is temporarily stored in a separate database. 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. Taking backups as SQL statements helps minimize the chances of data corruption when upgrading one edition of MySQL to another. But, the execution of multiple SQL statements while taking backup restoration is time-consuming. On the other hand, MSSQL neither blocks the database during backup nor does the developer required to bear a time-consuming back process making it simpler and straightforward.
- 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. At the same time, MSSQL users can control the query execution and bring it to a halt before its completion. MSQL transaction engine gives this functionality to the developers.
- Both MySQL and MSSQL store 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 secures the data integrity. On this count, MSSQL offers better security constraints than MySQL.
- MSSQL server is available in multiple editions 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 configurable engines allow the developer to perform very different designs and programming. On the other hand, while creating a database, programmers do not explicitly specify various 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 | GNU GPL and the proprietary edition by Oracle Inc govern the open-source version. | 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 | The 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 transactions 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
Many organizations widely use MySQL and MSSQL as enterprise-grade RDBMSs for data storage backends. Both MySQL and MSSQL offer equivalent performance and speed for high transaction applications. Although both MySQL and MSSQL can be deployed on any platform, MySQL has better integration on all major platforms. The cost is another consideration that is a primary motivation before selecting a technology stack. Here again, MySQL has an edge owing to the availability of its open-source non-proprietary edition.
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