Join Our 4-Week Free Gen AI Course with select Programs.

Request a callback

or Chat with us on

Difference Between MySQL and SQL

Basics of SQL
Basics of SQL
icon
12 Hrs. duration
icon
12 Modules
icon
2600+ Learners
logo
Start Learning

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. 

 

Check out: Cloud Computing Architecture: Components & Benefits Explained

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

Enroll in a  cloud engineering course today!

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. 
DevOps & Cloud Engineering
Internship Assurance
DevOps & Cloud Engineering

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.

 

Find out: 12 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

FAQs
The difference between MySQL and SQL is that SQL has a single storage engine. If you compare SQL vs MySQL, you will realize that MySQL supports multiple storage engines and plugin storage.
Some top alternatives to SQL and MySQL include MongoDB, Oracle, MariaDB, SAP HANA Cloud, and Couchbase.
Yes, it is possible to use other databases with SQL.
Yes, you can migrate data between SQL and MySQL.
Some common use cases for SQL and MySQL include building eCommerce applications and proof of concept applications.
brochureimg

The DevOps Playbook

Simplify deployment with Docker containers.

Streamline development with modern practices.

Enhance efficiency with automated workflows.

left dot patternright dot pattern

Programs tailored for your success

Popular

Management

Data Science

Finance

Technology

Future Tech

Upskill with expert articles

View all
Hero Vired logo
Hero Vired is a leading LearnTech company dedicated to offering cutting-edge programs in collaboration with top-tier global institutions. As part of the esteemed Hero Group, we are committed to revolutionizing the skill development landscape in India. Our programs, delivered by industry experts, are designed to empower professionals and students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Data Science

Accelerator Program in Business Analytics & Data Science

Integrated Program in Data Science, AI and ML

Accelerator Program in AI and Machine Learning

Advanced Certification Program in Data Science & Analytics

Technology

Certificate Program in Full Stack Development with Specialization for Web and Mobile

Certificate Program in DevOps and Cloud Engineering

Certificate Program in Application Development

Certificate Program in Cybersecurity Essentials & Risk Assessment

Finance

Integrated Program in Finance and Financial Technologies

Certificate Program in Financial Analysis, Valuation and Risk Management

Management

Certificate Program in Strategic Management and Business Essentials

Executive Program in Product Management

Certificate Program in Product Management

Certificate Program in Technology-enabled Sales

Future Tech

Certificate Program in Gaming & Esports

Certificate Program in Extended Reality (VR+AR)

Professional Diploma in UX Design

Blogs
Reviews
Events
In the News
About Us
Contact us
Learning Hub
18003093939     ·     hello@herovired.com     ·    Whatsapp
Privacy policy and Terms of use

© 2024 Hero Vired. All rights reserved