MySQL vs Oracle – The Complete Comparison
Choosing the right database system makes a difference. Some work on specific operating systems, while others don’t. Looking at a comparison between MySQL vs. Oracle will help provide the information necessary to make the right decision.
They both provide the same architecture with the Relational Model. Both MySQL and Oracle also provide a proprietary software license. However, MySQL provides a GPL software license, while Oracle doesn’t. This isn’t the only difference between MySQL vs. Oracle.
Differences between MySQL and Oracle
The major differences found when looking at MySQL vs. Oracle start with the operating systems they work with. MySQL works with:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Linux
- UNIX
- z/OS
- BSD
- Symbian
- AmigaOS
Oracle works with most of these operating systems, but it doesn’t work with BSD, Symbian or AmigaOS.
Another major difference is found in the indexes used by both. MySQL uses:
- Full-text
- Hash
- R-/R+ Tree
Oracle uses more indexes than just these three including Bitmap, Expression, Partial and Reverse.
Other major differences include:
- MySQL supports Java, while Oracle doesn’t
- MySQL provides on-site and phone support, while Oracle only provides Forums support
- Oracle works with both dynamic and static systems, while MySQL only works with static
- MySQL is free, while Oracle is $180
Other differences are found between the two, as well, but these differences are the most glaring.
Benefits of MySQL and Oracle
- Free to use
- Great Performance
- Very user-friendly
- Incredible security
- Scalable
- Works with many operating systems
- Supports many development interfaces
All of these benefits make MySQL a good choice, especially for those looking for a free database system.
- Capable of running large ILTB and VLDBs
- Very feature rich
- Highly reliable
- Flashback technology
Oracle has many advantages, just as MySQL does.
Is it Fair to Compare MySQL vs. Oracle?
The comparison between MySQL and Oracle isn’t really a fair comparison. They are two very different types of products.
Oracle provides a ton of features from user-defined types to XML and much more. It can be used with Oracle Express and currently has two major areas of emphasis: Enterprise Business Applications and Oracle Fusin Middleware. These technologies provide many benefits for larger businesses and Oracle is extremely popular with medium to large enterprises.
MySQL provides a high-speed database system perfect for small to medium projects. It works great for startup companies, but doesn’t have as many features as Oracle. However, most of the companies using MySQL don’t need the features provided by Oracle because they build the functionality in the middle-tier.
When is MySQL the Better Choice?
Many content management systems, such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal, use MySQL databases. Whenever you plan to use one of these CMS choices, you will use MySQL.
Often, these projects are on a smaller scale and MySQL provides the better choice. It’s free to use, provides plenty of speed and is very user-friendly.
Startup companies and smaller companies fit best with MySQL. This can also include blogs and those planning to build many niche sites.
When is Oracle the Better Choice?
Oracle is a very popular choice with the Fortune 100 list of companies and for larger enterprises. They excel most with larger business applications and large data warehouses.
Those looking for the largest amount of features, will choose Oracle. It’s packed with features and minimizes the need for third party software.
Which is More Popular between MySQL and Oracle?
When looking at the popularity of MySQL vs. Oracle, it’s important to note what each is used for most. Oracle is more suited for larger enterprises, while MySQL is used for smaller projects.
Out of the two, MySQL is the most popular. Since it’s used with WordPress, which is the most popular content management system for blogging and building websites, its use more often than Oracle.
However, for larger enterprises, Oracle is by far the more popular choice. Even though MySQL is used with larger sites, such as Facebook and YouTube, it’s not as popular with larger enterprises as Oracle.
If you have a choice between MySQL vs. Oracle, you will need to look at the specific project to make this decision.
