MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) widely used for storing, organizing, and retrieving structured data. It relies on Structured Query Language (SQL) for database operations and is known for its speed, reliability, and ease of use. As a relational database, it stores data in tables and allows relationships between them, enabling efficient organization and querying. MySQL is cross-platform, supporting multiple operating systems, and is a core component of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python), making it a popular choice for web applications and dynamic websites.
MySQL is freely available under the GNU General Public License (GPL), though it also offers commercial versions with additional features.
It organizes data into tables with rows and columns, allowing relationships between different tables through keys.
MySQL runs on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
It is optimized for read-heavy workloads, making it suitable for applications like content management systems and e-commerce platforms.
MySQL can handle small applications and scale up to manage large databases with millions of records.
Supports replication for high availability and clustering for scalability and fault tolerance.
MySQL offers robust security features, including authentication, data encryption, and user privilege management.
A large community of developers and extensive documentation make it easy to find support and resources.