MySQL and Microsoft’s SQL Server are the most popular database management systems out there; both systems are used for storage and retrieval of back-end data, but some may argue that they each offer different amenities and advantages that should be evaluated before you choose the best option for your particular data management environment. Just to make this clear now: everything is relative. As with most things in life, what you choose should be based on your unique, specific needs. What’s good for you might not be the best choice for someone else.
mysql-vs-sql-server
So, with that said, this post will compare the overall features of each database management system so that you can decide what’s best for your situation. Also, keep in mind we are not comparing “apples to apples,” as they say. Although MySQL and Microsoft’s SQL Server are both considered database management systems, they were originally derived for certain purposes–and that shouldn’t be ignored.
A DBMS Post with a Purpose
After reading a few specifics about each DBMS, think of what you truly need in your data management. Are you a large scale enterprise with multiple avenues of robust needs? Are your data management requirements of a smaller scale–but in the market to grow? Do you value speed, speed, speed over streamlined compatibility and recovery? These are just some of the things to think about before you make your decision.
In this comparison of the MySQL vs. the Microsoft SQL Server, rather than arguing heavily for one DBMS over the other, we hope this post will lay out the basics, giving you some background information that should weigh in your decision. In the end, we’ll provide you with a table that lays out some of the generalized results of our DBMS evaluation.
MySQL
The most popular open-source SQL database management system, MySQL makes it possible for anyone to modify and use the management software once they download it on the Internet. Perhaps the greatest perk of this software is the fact that it’s open-source, and it’s free. Keep in mind that anyone has the option to get the free, easy-to-use community version of MySQL; however, if you opt for the Enterprise edition of MySQL you’ll receive more feature-rich options.
The main goal with the MySQL database management is speed and performance. As the software’s promotional material states, the database server is “very fast, reliable, scalable, and easy to use.” Of course, if it’s free to anyone and everyone, it would make sense that the DBMS is accessible to experienced individuals–as well as those that are new to database management. Make note that its ease-of-use leaves MySQL a bit susceptible to data corruption, however.
MySQL has a few famous clients that are supported by its robust abilities in data storing. Applications that use the MySQL database include: Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, phpBB, and more. The software is also employed for large data websites like Wikipedia and Google (not for searches, though). Also taking advantage of the MySQL speed and large storage capabilities: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Originally developed to handle large networks at a fast pace, MySQL now supports a wide range of APIs and standalone products. Pretty much any application could be supported by this popular, flexible software. Furthermore, a MySQL database can support a small set of applications, and it can grow to manage entire machines or clusters of machines in a network. Microsoft’s SQL Server also supports many applications and highly available clustered databases.
Microsoft SQL Server
One of the main benefits involved in choosing the Microsoft SQL Server database management system is its seamless compatibility with other Microsoft Windows and Office applications. You’ll also get the “Apple Principle” so you can control Mac OS and other applications. These features mean that in choosing the SQL Server, you’ll have a few extra tools and wizards: After all, it’s not completely free, so you do get some extra agency and neat add-ons. Overall, this makes everything converge and work together more smoothly.
Unlike MySQL, SQL Server is a closed, proprietary storage engine with a more restrictive Sybase-derived engine. SQL Server has some additional advantages that some may argue elevate it above MySQL. For one thing, MySQL does not wholly support foreign keys, which means on a relational database scale it falls short in comparison to Microsoft’s SQL Server.
SQL Server is geared with corporate and enterprise markets in mind. Its pros are widely known to be its feature completeness, functionality, and interfaces for administrative abilities and data modeling. However, its complexity means that performance is known to lack slightly when compared to MySQL (you know, regarding the speed thing). Because Microsoft SQL Server is more complex and feature rich (a great plus), the software sacrifices some disk space, memory and performance.
Where SQL Server lacks in speed it makes up in data recovery. SQL Server is very resistant to data corruption, unlike MySQL. The good news is no matter what DBMS you choose, both are just about even when it comes to security and scalability.
So, Who Wins?
As stated above, it really depends on the specifics. MySQL was originally built for speed, whereas SQL Server was built for complex management and recovery. This post could really go on and on, as there are many more discrepancies between these two popular database management systems that could be delved into (and some similarities too). After reading this, its highly recommended that you do some targeted research that takes into account the specifics of your needs.
For instance, do you want a DBMS that is more compatible with UNIX? If so, MySQL may be the DBMS for you. Or, do you want a feature rich DBMS that is a smooth partner with Windows OS? In that case, maybe you should think about Microsoft’s SQL Server.
To help you out a bit, we’ll end this post with a rundown on some basic comparison traits between the two popular data management systems. Here’s who wins under some basic categories:
Ease of Use: MySQL
Feature Richness: Microsoft SQL Server
Cost: MySQL
Recovery: Microsoft SQL Server
Security & Scalability: TIE
Performance (Speed): MySQL
Important Keywords for Search are mentioned below :
  • MS-SQL vs MySQL Database
  • Difference between MS-SQL and MySQL ?
  • Is MS-SQL better or MySQL ??