Virtually all modern web applications and databases play a crucial role. Due to the dynamic nature of web development today, even rudimentary applications require some mechanism for data storage, retrieval, and modification (which is why we at offer them for our premium and enterprise customers). Naturally, as the importance of databases has grown, so has the popularity of certain relational database management systems (RDBMS).
Two of these systems are and . Both perform the same function, although they are used in different scenarios. It can be said that they have a different knowledge, but they are based on SQL, or on structured query language. Developers can expect some similarities between MySQL and SQL Server, such as the use of tables to store data, references to primary and foreign keys, as well as multiple databases in a single environment or server.
It would not be inaccurate to call MySQL and SQL Server the two most popular RDBMS solutions out there, although Oracle and Postgres might have something to say on the matter. Although we are gradually witnessing a shift from SQL to NoSQL, the former remains the most dominant presence. It means that now is a good time to learn MySQL or SQL Server.
In this guide, we will briefly explain what MySQL and SQL Server are. We will discover the difference between MySQL and SQL Server, and help you choose which one is best for your needs.
MySQL vs. SQL Server
What is MySQL?
Developed in the mid-1990s (later acquired by Oracle), MySQL was one of the first open source databases and remains so to this day. This means that there are several alternatives to MySQL. But the differences between these variants are not too pronounced; the basic syntax and functionality remain identical.
Something that has become one of the characteristics of MySQL is its popularity among startups. Because it is free and open source, developers can easily get started with MySQL and modify its code in the rare instance that they may need to. MySQL is generally used in conjunction with PHP and Apache Web Server, in addition to a Linux distribution, which has led to the famous LAMP acronym (Linux, Apatch, MySQL, P).
What is SQL Server?
SQL server, also known as Microsoft SQL Server, has been around much longer than MySQL. Microsoft developed SQL Server in the 1980s, with the promise of providing a reliable and scalable RDBMS. These are still the core qualities of SQL Server after all these years, as it is the go-to platform for large-scale enterprise software.
SQL Server is intended primarily for developers who use .NET as their development language, as opposed to PHP for MySQL. This makes sense, as they both fall under the Microsoft umbrella.
Difference between MySQL and SQL Server
MySQL is widely used for PHP projects and applications. SQL Server is primarily used for .NET applications or Windows projects. There are multiple storage engines in MySQL, which gives developers greater flexibility in the use of tables.
There are several differences between MySQL and SQL, and the most important for many is the syntax, although there are also differences in terms of the environment, as SQL works better with .NET, the level of support, the way of storing data and the cost of the license.
Now let’s look at each of the differences in more detail:
- Environment
As mentioned above, SQL Server works best with .NET, while MySQL can be paired with almost any other language, usually PHP. It should also be mentioned that SQL Server used to run exclusively on Windows, but this has changed since last year when . Still, the Linux version isn’t stable enough, which means our recommendation is still to keep working on Windows if you’re using SQL Server, and switch to Linux if you’re going with MySQL. - Syntax
For most people, this is the most important difference between the two systems. Being familiar with one set of syntax rules over another can greatly influence your decision as to which system is best for you. While both MySQL and SQL Server are based on SQL, the differences in syntax are still important and worth keeping in mind. For example, look at the following example:
mysql
SELECT age FROM person ORDER BY age ASC LIMIT 1 OFFSET 2
Microsoft SQLServer
SELECT TOP 3 WITH TIES * FROM person ORDER BY age ASC
Both code snippets achieve the same result: return 3 entries with the youngest age of a named person in the table. But there is a drastic change in the syntax. Of course, the syntax is subjective, so we can’t give any recommendations; Go with the one that seems most intuitive to you. The complete list of implementation changes between MySQL and SQL Server can be found.
- SQL Server is more than an RDBMS
A great advantage of proprietary software over open source software is the exclusive support it receives. In this particular case, the advantage becomes even more profound, as SQL Server is backed by one of the largest technology companies in the world. Microsoft has created additional tools for SQL Server that come integrated with the RDBMS, including data analysis tools. It also features a reporting server: SQL Server Reporting Services, as well as an ETL tool. This makes SQL Server the Swiss Army Knife of RDBMS. You can also get similar features in MySQL, but you have to scour the web for third-party solutions, which isn’t ideal for most people. - storage engines
Another big difference that is sometimes overlooked between MySQL and SQL Server is the way they store data. SQL Server uses a single storage engine developed by Microsoft, in contrast to the multiple engines on offer for MySQL. This gives MySQL developers much more flexibility, as they can use different engines for different tables, based on speed, reliability, or some other dimension. A popular MySQL storage engine is InnoDB, which falls on the slower end of the spectrum, but maintains reliability. Another is MyISAM. - Cancellation of consultations
Not many people know this, but one potentially important difference between MySQL and SQL Server is that MySQL doesn’t allow you to cancel a query mid-execution. This means that once a command starts running, you’d better hope that any damage it may cause is reversible. SQL Server, on the other hand, allows you to cancel query execution midway through the process. This difference can be particularly detrimental to database administrators, as opposed to web developers, who execute scripted commands that rarely require query abort during execution. - Cost
This is where SQL Server becomes much less attractive and MySQL wins big points. Microsoft requires that you purchase licenses to run multiple databases on SQL Server; there is a free version, but just to get familiar with the RDBMS. In contrast, MySQL uses the GNU General Public License, which makes it completely free to use. Please note, however, that if you need support or assistance for MySQL, you will need to pay for it. - Community support
Which brings us to our next point. While you can pay for MySQL support, the scenario rarely comes up, due to the stellar community contribution and support for it. One benefit of having the wider community on your side is that most people don’t have to seek official help, they can search the web and find plenty of solutions. - IDE’s
It is important to note that both RDBMSes support different integrated development environment (IDE) tools. These tools offer a consistent environment for development, and you should pay close attention to which one best suits your needs. MySQL features Oracle’s Enterprise Manager, while SQL Server uses Management Studio (SSMS). Both have their pros and cons and can tip the balance if you have nothing else to base your decision on.
conclusion
The choice of RDBMS is important for those who are just starting modern application development. People who choose a system will rarely change it later, which means it’s crucial to weigh the different offerings and pick the best one for you.
In this guide, we have discussed two of the most widely used RDBMS: MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. We discuss several key differences between MySQL and SQL Server, even one of them might be enough to change your decision in favor of one over the other.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As a general rule of thumb, if you are developing small/medium sized applications and predominantly use PHP, choose MySQL. Whereas, if you are interested in developing secure, resilient, and large-scale enterprise applications, SQL Server should be your friend.
Deyi is a digital marketing enthusiast, with a background in web design, content creation, copywriting, and SEO. She is part of ‘s SEO & Localization team. In her free time, she likes to develop projects, read a book or watch a good movie.
Facebook Comments
Disqus