Advantages and disadvantages of using MySQL Vs MS SQL

Two of the most popular database systems used by web developers today are MySQL and Microsoft SQL server, MS. Both are similar in terms of storage and retrieval systems be. The two systems support primary keys, along with key indices which allow to speed up queries and constrain input. In addition, both systems offer some form of support for XML.

Besides price, which is the obvious difference, what distinguishes these two systems, and which one is right for you? We do an overview both products, highlighting the main differences and explain the advantages and disadvantages of using for your business.

Open-source vs. Proprietary

When it comes to these two databases, the differences start with the open-source nature of MySQL over the closed, proprietary structure of SQL Server. MySQL is an extensible, open storage database engine, offering a multitude of variants, such as Berkeley DB, InnoDB, MyISAM and Heap. On the other hand, with the Microsoft product, you are limited to a Sybase-derived engine through both good times and bad.

When considering how MySQL integrates seamlessly with a number of programming languages ​​and other web-based technologies, certainly has the advantage over MS SQL in terms of compatibility, such as SQL Server is known to work better with other Microsoft products .

Licensing

Contrary to popular belief, the MySQL system is not always free. On the other hand, is always more convenient. With regard to both products, license costs are based on a two-level scheme. With MS SQL, the best way to get the license for one developer is to buy a license for Microsoft developers and Microsoft Visual Studio suite. Both will give you a free license to use the SQL Server development. If you want to use the product in a commercial environment, you must purchase a minimum of SQL Server Standard Edition - which could set back more than $ 1,000 for a couple of client connections to a few.

Because MySQL is an open-source under the GNU General Public License, developers can use at no cost provided that the associated projects are also open-source. However, if you plan to sell software as a proprietary product, you must purchase a commercial license, which costs about $ 400 for up to nine clients. Depending on the project and the funds, MySQL may have the advantage here.

Technical differences

The battle open-source vs. owner alone is a major cause why some users choose one system over another. However, there are some differences from a technical aspect.

For example, MySQL does not offer full support for foreign keys, which means it does not have all the features of MS SQL relational, which is considered a complete relational database. Some versions of MySQL also lack full support for stored procedures - the biggest drawback is the MyISAM system, which does not support transactions.

Performance

In the performance, MySQL is the clear leader, mainly because of its default table format, MyISAM. MyISAM databases leave a small footprint with little disk space, memory and CPU. While the system runs on Windows platform without flaw, it tends to work better on Linux and other UNIX-like systems. Because of its stability, power many Internet such as Yahoo! uses MySQL as the backend database.

When it comes to performance, robustness MS SQL to be packed with more features than other systems is perhaps its biggest drawback. Although most of these features are designed to optimize performance, tend to sacrifice other essentials. The cost here is the complexity and the hogging of resources in a storage and memory, which leads to lower performance. If you lack the knowledge and sufficient hardware to support a SQL server, you would be better with another database management system.

Security

These two database systems are virtually at a standstill as regards safety. Both are equipped with appropriate safety mechanisms by default, bearing you follow the directions and keep your software updated with security patches. Both operate over known IP ports which unfortunately attracts a wealth of intruders, a downside that can be attributed to both products. The good thing is that MySQL and MS SQL allow you to change the ports in case the default becomes too vulnerable.

Recovery

As far as the recovery goes, the SQL Server has a definite advantage over MySQL, which tends to fall a bit 'short with its MyISAM configuration. A UPS system is mandatory with MyISAM as it assumes uninterrupted operation. In case of power failure should occur, could cause corruption and loss of critical data. With SQL Server, data corruption is more unlikely. The data travels through various checkpoints while passing from the hard drive and keyboard through the monitor. In addition, the SQL Server keeps track of the process, even if the system is unexpectedly.

The best choice

As you can see, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. From our point of view, any product that allows you to be efficient is a good database, something different that is not worthy of your time and frustration. When it comes to MySQL and MS SQL, the decision all comes down to the situation and, above all, what you're trying to accomplish.