Database Reference
In-Depth Information
2
In this chapter, you learn what MariaDB is, and the tools you can use when working
with it.
In Chapter 1, “Understanding SQL,” you learned about databases and SQL. As
explained, it is the database software (
DBMS
or
Database Management System
)
that actually does all the work of storing, retrieving, managing, and manipulat-
ing data. MariaDB is a DBMS, that is, it is database software.
MariaDB is based on MySQL, which has been around for a long time, and is
now in use at millions of installations worldwide. Why do so many organiza-
tions and developers use MySQL? Here are some of the reasons:
Cost
—MySQL is open-source, and free to use (and even modify)
without paying for it.
■
Performance
—MySQL is fast (make that very fast).
■
Trusted
—MySQL is used by some of the most important and presti-
gious organizations and sites, all of whom entrust it with their critical
data.
■
Simplicity
—MySQL is easy to install and get up and running.
■
The biggest technical criticism of MySQL is that it has not always supported
the functionality and features offered by other DBMSs. There have also been
criticisms leveled at how MySQL software is licensed. And more recently,
MySQL has been criticized for a slowdown in updates and innovation.
In 2008, MySQL was acquired by Sun Microsystems, which was in turn
acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2010. While the initial acquisition by Sun
was hailed by many in the MySQL community as exactly what the project
needed, that sentiment did not last, and the subsequent acquisition by Oracle
was unfortunately met with far lower expectations. Many of MySQL's devel-
opers left Sun and Oracle to work on new projects. Among them was Michael
