Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview of MySQL
This chapter provides an overview of MySQL. The chapter proceeds under the
following captions:
•
Introduction to MySQL
•
Main Features of MySQL
•
Main Components of MySQL
•
Shortcomings of MySQL
•
Summary and Concluding Remarks
19.1 Introduction to MySQL
MySQL has become the most popular open source DBMS and the fastest growing DBMS
in the industry. The product is an attractive alternative to higher-cost, more complex
DBMS suites. Its award-winning speed, scalability and reliability, combined with the fact
that it is free, are some of the reasons for the product's increasing popularity. The current
production release series is MySQL 5.0, which was declared stable for production use in
October 2005.
MySQL is currently marketed in three editions:
•
MySQL Standard Edition
•
MySQL Enterprise Edition
•
MySQL Cluster Edition
Figure
19-1
provides the salient differences between these editions, in terms of their
characteristic services and features. The editions and features are clarified on the
MySQL website (see [MySQL, 2010]).
