introduce
As database environments continue to evolve, it can be challenging to keep up with all the solutions available. Open source databases are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 90% of developers using at least one in their stack.
In this tutorial, we'll list 14 of the best free open source database open source databases and cover their pros and cons to help you decide which solution is best for your needs.
MySQL is the most famous and widely used open source database. As a relational database management system (RDBMS), MySQL structures data by organizing it into interconnected tables that users can access using SQL (Structured Query Language). The platform supports multiple storage engines such as InnoDB and MyISAM.
MySQL open source database logo.
Example
While it is possible to interact directly with a MySQL database using a standalone client, MySQL is more commonly part of a software stack such as LAMP. Due to its popularity, MySQL is the RDBMS of choice for web applications that require a database, such as WordPress, Joomla, and phpBB.
advantage
Fast and reliable. Efficient data processing ensures consistency and fast access.
Easy to use.
Horizontally scalable. MySQL databases can accommodate large workloads and adapt to increases in traffic.
Available in a variety of data types and character sets.
Supports large databases. MySQL can handle up to 50 million records, 200,000 tables, and 5 billion rows.
Has extensive cross-platform support.
shortcoming
Processing large databases is inefficient. While MySQL can handle large data sets, its performance may suffer in more extreme cases.
Its debugging tools are not yet developed.
MySQL versions prior to 8.0.16 do not support SQL with check constraints.
Data corruption is prone to occur.
maria database
MariaDB is a fork of MySQL designed to provide a community-driven drop-in replacement for MySQL. As a result, MariaDB shares many MySQL features but extends them with support for advanced data types, user-defined functions, and more.
MariaDB open source database logo.
Example
With its built-in clustering and replication capabilities, MariaDB is often the RDBMS of choice for high-availability application developers. Additionally, MariaDB shares many use cases with MySQL, particularly in the areas of web applications and content management systems.
advantage
In addition to the same benefits as MySQL base, MariaDB offers the following benefits:
MariaDB has a faster release schedule than MySQL, and new features and bug fixes arrive faster.
It supports a wide range of environments and storage engines.
A large developer community makes it easy for users to find support.
Better multi-core performance than MySQL.
Improved SSL/TLS support and user roles bring greater security.
shortcoming
Compatibility issues. Although MariaDB is promoted as a complete replacement for MySQL, some MySQL applications and configurations may be incompatible.
Limited enterprise-level support. As a community project, MariaDB has limited enterprise support compared to larger companies like Oracle and Microsoft.
