Difference between SQL and MySQL : SQL vs MySQL

Last updated on Apr 17,2024 1K Views

Pracheta Mondal A data enthusiast who enjoys learning new technologies to widen her spectrum... A data enthusiast who enjoys learning new technologies to widen her spectrum of knowledge .

Become a Certified Professional

Difference between SQL and MySQL : SQL vs MySQL

edureka.co

The top 4 databases in the world use the Structured Query Language (SQL) language. There are many databases which are based on the SQL language. In this blog, we will be talking about SQL vs MySQL. Welcome to Edureka’s blog on SQL vs MySQL, here we’ll discuss about the differences between SQL vs MySQL.

What is a Database?

A database is a collection of all the data in a software system that is saved and structured electronically. It is a technology that enables us to store any form of data in vast quantities for simple access and application.

There are many various sorts of databases, such as centralized databases that manage all of the information for institutions in one spot or cloud databases that store information on a server and can be accessed online.

What is RDBMS?

RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) is a more complex database management system that lets you organise, maintain, retrieve, and administer tabular databases. For managing enormous volumes of data, it is one of the most commonly utilised tools by data analysts or database managers.

In business data management, SQL and MySQL are two often used terminologies. While they may sound similar, they are fundamentally distinct. You must understand the differences between SQL and MySQL if you want to deal with relational databases, big data, business intelligence, or business analytics.

To know the differences between SQL vs MySQL, let’s start with their definitions.

What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for operating, managing, and accessing databases. You can add, retrieve, remove, or access data in other databases by making simple modifications to the syntax. SQL is the standard language for operating a relational database management system, such as MySQL, according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Microsoft owns, hosts and maintains it.

SQL may be used to create programmes that make changes to databases. SQL may also be used to construct and alter database schemas. One of SQL’s most appealing features is the ability to access numerous entries in a database with a single command.

What is MySQL?

MySQL was created by MySQL AB back in 1995. Oracle Corporation, on the other hand, currently owns and sells it. MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that performs certain functions and processes in a database using SQL commands.

C and C++ are the programming languages used to create MySQL. It runs on practically all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Unix-based computers. It’s also a key component of the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) open-source technology stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). Databases in MySQL may be accessed by several users.

Now in this SQL vs MySQL blog, let’s discuss why we should use them.

Why should you use SQL?

SQL is a robust and effective tool for extracting relevant and valuable information from enormous datasets. While SQL has historically been the domain of highly skilled data analysts and programmers, it is increasingly being adopted by non-technical employees.
SQL is easier to learn than you would imagine, and the rewards greatly surpass the time commitment. If you make this investment, you’ll boost your team’s worth while also enhancing your marketability within your company and in the broader market.

For more information on why you should learn check out our article on SQL , Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn SQL

Why should you use MySQL?

One of the reasons MySQL is the most popular open source database in the world is because it offers extensive support for all types of application development. Stored procedures, triggers, functions, views, cursors, ANSI-standard SQL, and other database features are all supported. Plug-in libraries are available for embedding MySQL database functionality into practically any application for embedded applications. MySQL also includes connectors and drivers (ODBC, JDBC, and others) that make MySQL a favoured data management server for a wide range of applications. MySQL provides application developers with everything they need to construct database-driven information systems, regardless of whether they’re using PHP, Perl, Java, Visual Basic, or.NET.

Now let us discuss the category-wise differences between SQL vs MySQL.

SQL vs. MySQL: What are the fundamental differences between SQL vs MySQL?

Category	SQL	MySQL
Definition	The Structured Query Language (SQL) is an acronym for Structured Query Language. It comes in handy while working with relational databases.	MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) for storing, retrieving, modifying, and administering databases.
History	In 1970, the programming language known as SEQUEL was born	MySQL claims to be the first open-source relational database in the early 1990s, despite the fact that SQL is a language used to operate other relational databases.
Complexity	To use SQL efficiently, you must first grasp the language.	It is easily accessible via download and installation.
Developers	SQL was developed by Microsoft Corporation.	MySQL was developed by MySQL AB but is currently owned by Oracle Corporation.
Use	To use a database system to query and operate.	Allows for data manipulation, storage, modification, and deletion in a tabular format.
Syntax/Format	The syntax and format are fixed, declarative, and easy to use. Start with the clause and end with a semicolon.	MySQL is software and not a programming language, hence it does not have any commands or particular format.
Linguistic	SQL is available in different languages.	MySQL is available only in a single language that is English.
Supporting Platforming	SQL was designed for Windows, but it also works on Linux and Mac OS X in its most recent versions.	MySQL is cross-platform compatible, running on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows.
Updates	The language is fixed, and command remains unchanged.	There are, however, the latest updates and versions of MySQL for enhanced performance.
Availability	SQL is proprietary based software owned by Microsoft and not open to others for free.	MySQL is an open-source free platform that allows access to any and everyone.
Supporting Language	SQL is in itself a programming language used for database systems.	MySQL supports all the basic programming languages like C, C++, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and many others.
Community Support	The only support for SQL problems and queries is Microsoft Support care due to its highly protective usage.	MySQL has great community support as it allows free access.
Storage Engine	SQL supports only a single storage engine for different operations	MySQL supports different storage engines and does not take up a lot of space for different functions and operations. It also enables the plugin storage engine as well.
Data Security	SQL servers are secured as no third party or outsiders are allowed to manipulate data.	MySQL is susceptible to more security threats due to its open-source nature. It gives access to data manipulation and modification to unauthorized users as well during the run-time.

SQL vs MySQL: Conclusion

To summarise, the SQL vs. MySQL debate is an open-ended one that does not result in a binary choice. Although SQL and MySQL have numerous differences, they may work together to meet your relational database needs. Choosing between SQL vs MySQL comes down to specific requirements like security, speed, scalability, and efficiency.

If you’re interested in learning more about SQL, check out our SQL Course designed for working professionals and includes case studies and projects, practical hands-on workshops, mentorship with industry experts, 1-on-1 with industry mentors, 400+ hours of learning, and job assistance with top firms.

SQL vs MySQL: Frequently Asked Questions

Is MySQL the same as SQL Server?

MySQL and SQL Server are both RDBMSs, or relational database management systems. MySQL is open source and free to use, but SQL Server is a Microsoft license software.

How difficult is it to learn SQL?

SQL is a simple language to pick up. You can learn SQL in a few weeks if you understand programming and already know a few other languages. It may take longer if you’re a complete novice to programming.

Working on several projects is one of the most efficient strategies to jumpstart your SQL knowledge. Start developing a database-driven website right away. To acquire experience and learn rapidly, write code and solve challenges.

What programs use SQL vs MySQL?

SQL is used by many platforms like MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server.
Many database-driven online programmes, such as Drupal, Joomla, phpBB, and WordPress, use MySQL. Many major websites, such as Facebook, Flickr, MediaWiki, Twitter, and YouTube, utilize MySQL.

Should I learn between SQL vs MySQL?

To operate with any database management system, you must first master SQL, or standard query language. As a result, it is preferable to master the language first and subsequently the RDBMS foundations.