SQL vs. MySQL: What’s the Difference?

SQL and MySQL are two of the most common names in relational database management systems (RDBMS). The two, which help countless companies keep track of and organize data, are often used interchangeably despite their unique differences.

We’ve looked at the two database behemoths side by side and uncovered their fundamental differences. If you’ve ever mistaken one for another, keep reading to learn how they differ.

SQL

Initially called SEQUEL, a shortening for Structured English Query Language, SQL was developed in the early 1970s by IBM developers. One of the primary needs driving its development was to standardize the language of databases so that they could be interacted with more easily.

The language was standardized in 1986 by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and again in 1987 by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This helped it gain mass adoption worldwide and become the go-to language for relational data management in business systems and even government databases.

MySQL

MySQL was developed in 1995 to fill the need for an open-source RDBMS. Created by Michael Widenius and David Axmark, it was not as intuitive as SQL but benefited those not willing to pay for licensing manage databases more than any other open-source competitor.

Acquired by Sun Microsystems in 2008, MySQL development continued until it was taken over by Oracle in 2010. Since then, the platform has undergone extensive changes that have boosted performance and ease of use, making it popular in many industries and among web developers, from bloggers to review sites like casinos.com. 

Key Differences

Despite being developed to solve similar problems in various industries, MySQL and SQL have key differences that set them apart in how they were developed and how they operate. 

Nature and Composition

The most prominent difference between the two systems is their very nature. SQL has been developed as a language to manipulate and manage relational databases. Because of this, it has a wide set of commands that allow users to query, update, and administer large databases easily.

MySQL, on the other hand, is developed as a database management system (DMS) rather than a language. This DMS uses SQL as its core language but acts more as a software implementation than a language on its own. As such, it offers more features beyond what the SQL language alone provides and can be optimized for specific user needs more effectively than the SQL standard.

Standardization

The next major difference is the standardization and compliance that each database manager needs to adhere to or has undergone. As mentioned, SQL has been standardized and is actively governed by ANSI and ISO standards. This means it needs to maintain consistency regardless of how it is implemented.

In contrast, MySQL is not governed by a standard, meaning it doesn’t need to follow any specific governing rules. This freedom is a good thing as the platform includes many proprietary extensions that may be in contravention of SQL standards. However, it also follows many standards under which SQL operates to ensure usability. 

Storage and Data Types

Because SQL is a language rather than a platform, it doesn’t specify requirements for any storage engine or data type. Instead, it can be adapted to almost any system if it meets the required standards. 

MySQL differs in that it offers many unique data types and storage engines. For data types, these include MEDIUMINT, TINYBLOB, and ENUM. For storage engines, it can work well with systems like InnoDB and MyISAM, each of which offers unique features and performance measures, allowing greater customization and flexibility. 

Performance

One area where MySQL often outperforms SQL is performance and scalability. The system has a reputation for performing well in read-heavy environments and scales easily. This performance is boosted through features like query caching, implementing indexing strategies, and partitioning.

Despite SQL having many of these features as part of its native infrastructure, they may not work as fluently. This is because the implementation and effectiveness of using these features depend on the different database management systems used. Each of these is configured differently, which can lead to significant performance outcomes. 

Licensing

Comparing the licensing and cost of SQL and MySQL can be challenging, particularly because SQL is a language. Therefore, charging companies for it would be like charging companies for the use of English. However, when acquiring licensing of DBMSs using SQL, like Microsoft SQL Server or cloud SQL,costs are incurred and can be significant depending on scale and application.

MySQL is open-source and can be easily accessed by almost anybody. It provides an install-ready version of the database manager without any payments or subscriptions. For power users, however, a paid enterprise edition does exist, which, like most SQL providers, depends on scale and application. 

Security

Writing security protocols in a language used for many different purposes is almost impossible. Therefore, SQL doesn’t offer many security features other than the security standards outlined by the language that are recommended and should be followed.

Security is very different within MySQL, which is a system in which security measures can be added. As such, MySQL has many features, including encrypted connections, access control, and authentication sequences. While these can be added to SQL depending on which DBMS is used with it, they are native within MySQL and don’t need to be separately incorporated. 

Conclusion

While SQL and MySQL both make managing databases easier, there is a distinct difference between them. Because of this, they cannot be used interchangeably, as using one over the other can affect how a database is designed, what application the technology is required for, and what impact the database will have on business operations. The scalability of a database can also change drastically depending on which of the two is chosen.

For this reason, anyone looking to implement SQL or MySQL to manage a database should consider the differences between the two in relation to their specific use. In many cases, MySQL is a better alternative as it provides rich features and a large ecosystem of secondary tools. However, due to its standardization, SQL can offer more value for proprietary databases, such as those deeply embedded in ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems.