Why is MySQL So Popular?

by Nov 11, 2019

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There are a lot of choices for an organization to consider when selecting a relational database management system (RDBMS). In some cases, the decision may be made easier by the constraints of the applications that will use the database. However, this is usually not the case, and several different database platforms may all provide a solution in any given situation.

MySQL has emerged as the most popular SQL-based RDBMS in 2019 with almost 40% of users opting for this platform. It is widely used as a stand-alone database solution as well as in combination with other solutions such as MongoDB and PostgreSQL. If you are planning a career in the database administration or development fields, it is almost a certainty that you will be working with MySQL systems in the near future.

So what explains the popularity of one platform over the others? Let’s see if we can find an answer to this tantalizing question.

Why is MySQL So Widely Used?

There have to be some reasons that influenced the business and technical decision-makers responsible for choosing an enterprise’s software solutions. Here are some of the ones that have contributed to the widespread use and success of MySQL.

MySQL is a free tool.

Free software may conjure up images of buggy applications or trials designed to rope the user into purchasing more functional versions. This is not the case with MySQL. It offers advanced features and reliability far beyond a typical freeware project. Successful companies such as Verizon, Netflix, and Twitter rely on MySQL databases to power their businesses.

MySQL is an open source solution.

In addition to being free, another very appealing aspect of MySQL is its open source nature. This characteristic allows the software to be customized or modified to fit the specific needs of any situation. Many third-party tools and interfaces have been developed for MySQL due to the fact that it is open source.

MySQL has great features.

The features of a database are what make it valuable to its users. In the case of MySQL, there are several aspects of the product that have resulted in its popularity across many market sectors.

  • Scalability – MySQL easily scales managing applications in any size environment. It can be used in large data centers to process high volumes of data and is also widely used in eCommerce implementations that require a more streamlined and efficient solution.
  • Availability – MySQL can be configured in a variety of ways to ensure the availability of mission-critical applications. Using cluster servers and replication strategies keeps systems operating with no downtime.
  • Security – MySQL supports encryption and secure connections to enforce security and keep unauthorized users out of your databases. It also protects financial transactions by having them work as a coordinated unit where if every stage of the operation does not complete successfully, the transaction fails. This feature ensures data integrity and makes MySQL a great solution for running eCommerce sites.
  • Flexibility – MySQL can run on almost any operating system and affords companies the ability to use it with their installed hardware environment.

MySQL is easy to get started with.

The rise of web applications developed by small startups or individuals has contributed to the popularity of MySQL in several ways. Going back to our first point, free is good when trying to start a business, especially if the free product has all of the other features of MySQL. The fact that it uses basic SQL and is easily set up and configured are more points in its favor.

MySQL has a large online community.

The final reason we will consider that keeps MySQL popular among businesses of all sizes is the online support community and freelance developers that are continually adding to the functionality and utility of the database platform. Paid support is also available if desired.

Making Life Easier for MySQL DBAs

Adding third-party tools is a way to extend the usefulness of a software system and introduce features that may have been overlooked in its development. MySQL is no exception, and there are many applications designed for use with the database platform.

SQLyog is a feature-rich MySQL GUI that helps DBAs manage their databases. It streamlines many of the daily tasks that can be a drain to productivity for a database team.

Some of the ways SQLyog makes life easier for your DBAs are with its schema and data syncing capabilities. Schema changes can be applied visually while moving from a test to a production system. The tool’s backup wizard makes it a simple process to schedule backups and protect the database’s important contents.

There are features that improve every aspect of managing a MySQL environment. Take a look at the complete list of this powerful application’s features and see how it will make your MySQL DBAs more productive.