If you want a career in business analysis or big data, you will need a clear knowledge of SQL and MySQL. Even though they are different, several people confused SQL with MySQL. In this article you will lean about SQL and MySQL in detail. Scroll through this article to learn the difference between MySQL and SQL and improve your understanding for a successful career in a related field.
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What is SQL?
SQL (Structured Query Language) is useful for managing, retrieving, and storing data in relational databases. SQL enables you to retrieve several records in a database with only one command. It is used as the standard database language for MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and more.
Some basic commands in SQL include:
- SELECT: finds data from a database
- UPDATE: updates data within a database
- ALTER TABLE: modifies a table
- DELETE: removes data from a dataset
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What is MySQL?
MySQL is an open-source relational database management system. It uses SQL commands for managing relational databases. MySQL is written using C and C++ and can be installed on a server or a desktop. MySQL is supported on major platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Read: What are SQL JOINs: Inner, Outer, and Cross JOINs with Examples
Differences between SQL and MySQL
Now that we have understood what is SQL and MySQL. Let’s explore the major difference between SQL and MySQL in detail.
| Category | SQL | MySQL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage engine | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will realize that SQL supports a single storage engine for multiple operations. | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will discover that MySQL uses multiple storage engines and plugins for different functions. But the storage engines don’t take up much space. |
| Type | While understanding what is the difference between SQL and MySQL, you should know that SQL is a query language for database management. | While understanding what is the difference between SQL and MySQL, you should know MySQL is a database software program that uses the SQL language. |
| Server and Database | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that the database and server operate independently in SQL. It enables users to work on databases even during recovery. | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that the MySQL server and database work together. Therefore, users cannot do anything else during data recovery. |
| Developers/Owners | A difference between MySQL and SQL was that SQL is developed by Microsoft. | A difference between MySQL and SQL is that MySQL was developed by MySQL AB. But it is currently owned by Oracle Corporation. |
| Function | A major SQL and MySQL difference is that SQL is useful for managing and retrieving data from a database system. | A major SQL and MySQL difference is that MySQL uses SQL for querying data from databases. |
| Syntax and Format | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that the syntax and format of SQL are easy to use, fixed and declarative. You will have to begin with the clause and end with a semicolon. | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that MySQL is not a programming language. Therefore, it does not have any syntax or format. |
| Data Security | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will understand that SQL servers are secured. Therefore, no third party or outsiders can manipulate data. | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, the second one is more prone to security threats because of its open-source nature. It allows unauthorized users to manipulate and modify data. |
| Flexibility | SQL supports user-defined functions and XML. | MySQL does not support any user-defined function or XML. |
| Updates | A major difference between MySQL and SQL is that SQL does not need frequent updates. | A key difference between MySQL and SQL is that MySQL needs to be updated frequently because of its different variants. |
| Language | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will find SQL in various languages. | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will find MySQL only in English. |
| Complexity | A major SQL and MySQL difference is that you need to learn SQL to use it effectively. | A key SQL and MySQL difference is that you can start using MySQL through simple download and installation. |
| Uses | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that SQL commands are used in different database management systems. | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that MySQL is useful for managing relational databases. |
| Community Support | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, the only support you will get for SQL is from Microsoft Support. | If you compare SQL vs MySQL, the open-source nature of MySQL ensures that you have extensive community support. |
| Connector support | SQL does not support any connectors. | MySQL comes with an in-built tool called Workbench for creating, designing, and building databases faster. |
| Data restoration | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that the time required for data restoration is quite low even for a large amount of data. | The difference between MySQL and SQL is that MySQL has a lengthy data restoration process that requires multiple SQL commands. |
Examples of Industries and Applications that Use SQL and MySQL
Some applications of SQL and MySQL are as follows:
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry uses SQL for analyzing large datasets with patient information. It provides medical professionals with better insights that can lead to better treatment.
- Finance: Database systems powered by SQL enables financial institutions to offer personalized experiences to customers. They can also gain actionable insights to prevent fraud.
- Social Media: Social media platforms use SQL to preserve the profile information of users.
Find out: Top Asked SQL Interview Questions
What are the Similarities Between SQL and MySQL?
Now that you know what is the difference between SQL and MySQL, you should learn about some similarities between the two:
- They are useful for managing relational databases.
- They have different data types.
- They use join operations in the table.
- They can perform logical and arithmetic operations.
- They have storage procedures, views, triggers, and indexing.
Explore: SQL Operators: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Operators in SQL
SQL vs MySQL: How to Choose Which is Best to Use?
Once you understand what is the difference between SQL and MySQL., you will be able to determine which is the best. SQL server uses a single storage engine. But MySQL uses different engines for different operations.
Therefore, MySQL provides developers with a lot of flexibility. But at the same time, MySQL is less secure, and anyone can modify data. You should thoroughly compare SQL vs MySQL to determine which one to pick.
Understand: Inner Join in SQL: Syntax, Examples and Use Cases
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned about the two widely popular and efficient management tools and learn the difference between SQL and MySQL. SQL and MySQL can be used together for improved efficiency, scalability, and performance. In the end, you will have to determine your requirements before choosing what you need. The main difference between SQL and MySQL is that SQL is a query programming language that manages relational database management systems, whereas MySQL is a relational database management system that utilizes SQL as a query language.
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