MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019

Introduction

MySQL and PostgresSQL are similar in some ways and dissimilar in other aspects. As open-source relational database management systems (RDBMSs), they have powerful features, performance enhancements, and other perks. Every enterprise has unique needs though, so it’s worthwhile to know as much as possible about each RDBMS before deciding. To that end, this comparison of MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019 analyzes the features of both RDBMSs in hopes of making your choice easier.

MySQL vs PostgreSQL in 2019

The RDBMS model

Previously, before the RDBMS was developed, DBAs depended on the hierarchical data model of the database management system (DBMS). Since there’s no relational linking to speed things up, querying involves searching through the entire database of tables. This slowed things down from a productivity perspective.

Edgar F. Codd created the RDBMS model. The development changed the technology industry, as it was monumental in how data is stored and retrieved. With RDBMSs, relational part of the database is the ability to link data to other tables in the database. The result is super fast querying and responses.

About PostgreSQL

As an atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability (ACID)-compliant relational database management system (RDBMS), PostgreSQL brought credibility and fluidity to modern database standards.

Top features of PostgreSQL

• ACID-complaint

• Table views are easy to update because it supports joins and tables views to retrieve data

• Object-oriented features with a focus on compliance to standards

• Supports table reference ability from one table to another using foreign keys; data storage support from foreign keys

• Primary key recognition for table rows and records

• Functions and procedures can be stored

• Uses triggers, roles, and constraints

• Contains features that are NoSQL-like

• Active development community

• Compatible with popular OS environments including Linux, Windows, macOS, Solaris, and others

• ANSI SQL, XML, and JSON support

• Features substantial indexing

• Data backup replication and read expandability

About MySQL

Another popular open-source RDBMS is MySQL. It consists of a multi-threaded SQL server type of client/server architecture. This type of architecture can use numerous central processing units (CPUs) at the same time resulting in improved performance. MySQL’s programming language is C/C++.

Top features of MySQL

• Can be used with a variety of platforms including RHEL 7 and other Linux distros, non-UNIX, Unbuntu, OS/2, macOS, OS X Solaris, and Windows Server

• Popular languanges and middleware compatibility

• Replication Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that is log-based or trigger-based are core features

• Scalability and security are innate features

• System is powered by community-driven development (CDD)

• Multi-version concurrency control (MVCC also known as MCC) support

• Meets the standards of ANSI SQL

• Multi-threaded and multi-layered for complete usage of CPU is inbuilt

• Database model type can be embedded or as a client-server

• Capable of extensive data handling of rows totaling at least 50 million

• Analysis for queries and space are streamlined using MySQL’s built-in tools

Key observations of MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019

1. Licensing Plans

The PostgreSQL Global Development Group created PostgreSQL. Its open-source license allows users to download and install the PostgreSQL RDBMS.

Oracle Corporation owns MySQL. The Christopher Newport University (CNU) license is the open-source option for users to download and install the RDBMS. MySQL has commercial licensing plans available too.

1. Guidelines and Compliance for SQL

SQL regulations are standards of compliance that govern SQL database programs. When businesses incorporate SQL databases as part of a program for their projects, they are required to be SQL standards-compliant.

PostgreSQL has many elective components that meet SQL standards regarding compliance. In addition, it maintains SQL compliance for 160 main components identified in the guidelines. (A total of 170 main factors were given in the SQL standards compliance list.) In the SQL differences of MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019, PostgreSQL is the most SQL compliant.

Although MySQL doesn’t incorporate the entire SQL compliance standards, it is partly SQL complaint.

1. OS Platform Compatibility

The commonalities of MySQL and PostgreSQL are that work with major operating systems including Windows, Linux, Solaris, macOS, and others.

However, there some slight differences in the PostgreSQL vs MySQL 2019 examination. PostgreSQL runs on Unix OS which is open-source, and Hewlett-Packard’s HP-UX OS. FreeBSD OS is supported by MySQL.

1. Speed Efficiency

PostgreSQL gives optimum performance speeds for read and write operations, compound detailed queries and data verification. Large commercial entities, government organizations, and other industries that require support for geospatial data benefit from PostgreSQL’s performance optimization capabilities.

Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) and On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) is another area where PostgreSQL’s performance excels. Where the swiftness of read and write operations for analytical functions a core process implemented on a daily basis, PostgreSQL delivers.

PostgreSQL’s benefit of rapid read and write functions does well in Business Intelligence (BI) software development, though it shines for high-demand read and write speed requirements of warehousing of data applications for data analysis.

Standard, simplistic queries work with MySQL the best. Hefty queries with complexity will slow down the performance of MySQL. However, read speeds fair very well with MySQL, in particular, performance levels are high for OLTP/OLAP databases.

When InnoDB is coupled with MySQL, decent read and write speeds are enhanced for OLTP for high concurrency control. Applications for BI are read-substantial, so MySQL is a good fit there as well.

1. Database Protection

Security features differ greatly in the analysis of MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019. PostgreSQL features encrypted connections for server transactions and client transactions are accomplished securely with SSL.

PostgreSQL’s permissions are made and preserved with ROLES and assigned role inherited hierarchies.

A row-level security (RLS) benefit in PostgreSQL is the innate module SE-PostgreSQL that protects the database in the way that the SELinux security policy allows.

Access-control lists (ACLs) is the way MySQL secures the database connections and queries. To some extent, MySQL has SSL-encrypted support between it and clients.

1. Cloud Service Provider Hosting

Regarding cloud providers, it’s an even assessment of the differences and similarities when discussing MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019. Both RDBMSs are compatible with prominent cloud providers: Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Conclusion

The MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019 comparison revealed some contrasts between the two RDBMSs. One of the main differences is read and write speeds and use case. PostgreSQL is most appropriate for complex querying, whereas MySQL fits simple querying situations and when read-only speeds matter above all.

Another distinction is that PostgreSQL is more SQL standards-compliant compared to MySQL.

Lastly, both RDBMSs are harmonious with popular OS platforms. PostgreSQL is congruent with Hewlett-Packard’s HP-UX OS and open-source UNIX, while MySQL has open-source UNIX’s FreeBSD OS to boast compatibility.

In MySQL vs PostgreSQL 2019, both RDBMSs have much to offer. Take time to consider your needs and you’ll confidently make the best choice for your business.