MySQL vs SQL Server

Preamble

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Database plays an essential role in every modern web application. Due to the dynamic nature of web applications nowadays, even the most straightforward applications require some storage, access, and modification mechanisms (that’s why at Hostinger, we offer unlimited MySQL Databases for our customers with premium and business accounts).

Relational DBMS comparison of MySQL and SQL Server

Naturally, as the importance of databases is rapidly growing, Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) or Relational Database Management Systems are gaining in popularity.

Two of them are MySQL and SQL Server. Both perform the same function, although I have different usage options. They differ in some features, but both systems are based on SQL or Structured Query Language. In this regard, developers can find several similarities between MySQL and SQL Server, such as the use of tables to save data, references to primary and external keys, and multiple databases in the same environment or on the same server.

Although Oracle and Postgres will have something to say about it, it wouldn’t be a mistake to say that MySQL and SQL servers are the two most popular relational DBMS among existing ones. Even though we gradually witness the transition from SQL to NoSQL, the former still dominates. It means that it’s still relevant to learn both MySQL and SQL Server.

In this tutorial, we will explain what MySQL and SQL servers are. We will find the differences between MySQL and SQL Server and help you choose the one that suits your needs.

MySQL and SQL Server – comparison

What is MySQL?

Developed in the mid-1990s (later purchased by Oracle), MySQL was one of the first open-source databases today. It means that there are several alternatives to MySQL. But the differences between these alternatives are not very clear; the syntax and basic functionality remain the same.

And what makes MySQL different is its popularity among startup communities. The open-source code and freeware make it easy for developers to start with MySQL and change their code when they need it. MySQL is usually used together with PHP and the Apache Web server in Linux distributions, which led to the well-known abbreviation LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).

What is an SQL Server?

SQL Server, also known as Microsoft SQL Server, appeared much earlier than MySQL. Microsoft developed SQL Server in the 80s with the promise to create a reliable and extensible relational DBMS. After all these years, they remain the core of the quality SQL server and provide an indispensable solution for large-scale enterprise software.

SQL Server is more suitable for developers who use .NET as a development language and a competing PHP bundle for MySQL. It is pretty logical, as Microsoft owns both platforms.

Key differences between MySQL and SQL server

Now, after a brief introduction to systems, let’s look at a few key differences between MySQL and SQL servers:

• The SQL server works better with .NET, while it can use MySQL with almost any other language, the most common link with PHP. It is not superfluous to say that an SQL server can only run on Windows, but this condition had changed in recent years when Microsoft announced Linux support for SQL servers. The Linux version is still mature and has an unfinished look, which means we recommend you to use Windows when you are working with an SQL server and switch to Linux if you are working with MySQL DBMS.
• Syntax: This is the most crucial difference between the two systems for most people. Familiarity with one set of syntax rules can significantly influence your decision about which plan is right for you. Although MySQL and SQL servers are based on SQL, the differences in syntax are palpable and deserve attention. For example, let’s take a look at this fragment:

MySQL

SELECT age
FROM person
ORDER BY age ASC
LIMIT 1 OFFSET 2

Microsoft SQL Server

SELECT TOP 3 WITH TIES *
FROM person
ORDER BY age ASC

Both chains of code achieve the same result – they return three entries with the value of the youngest age from the people’s name table. But the syntax is very different. Of course, the syntax is a subjective evaluation parameter, so we cannot make a recommendation here; choose what seems more intuitive to you. Find a complete list of descriptive differences between MySQL and SQL servers here.

SQL server is more significant than a relational DBMS

The main advantage of paid software over free software is the exceptional support. In this case, the benefit is even more significant because the SQL server is supported by one of the largest companies in the world. Microsoft has created additional tools for SQL servers tied to a relational DBMS, including tools for data analysis. The system also has a report server – SQL Server Report Service and an ETL tool. It makes SQL Server a Swiss Army knife among relational DBMS. You can get similar functions in MySQL, but you will have to look for third-party solutions on the Internet – which many people will not fit.

Data storage system

Another critical distinction between MySQL and SQL Server is the data storage system. In contrast to MySQL’s several engines, SQL Server uses a single Microsoft-developed method. MySQL developers can choose alternative ways for different tables based on speed, reliability, or other factors. InnoDB is a prominent MySQL engine that sacrifices speed for reliability. Another known engine is MyISAM.

Cancel query

Not many people know this, but the fundamental difference between MySQL and SQL servers is that MySQL does not allow you to cancel a query in the middle of its execution. It means that once a command is executed, you better hope that any damage it can do is reversible. On the other hand, the SQL server allows you to cancel a query halfway through its execution. This difference can be insignificant for administrators, as they usually execute commands scripts, which rarely require cancellation at runtime, which is not always the case with developers.

Security

There is no need for careful consideration when comparing security differences in MySQL with SQL servers. Both systems are EC2 compatible, which means you are safe when choosing either. Should note that the greatness of Microsoft has also affected here the presence in the SQL server’s ultra-modern security system. A dedicated security tool – Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) – guarantees reliable protection for the SQL server. Therefore, if security is important to you, the choice is obvious.

Price

Here SQL server becomes much less attractive, and MySQL earns big points. Microsoft requires you to buy licenses to run multiple databases on the SQL server, there is a free version, but it is intended only for familiarization with relational DBMS. On the contrary, MySQL uses the GNU license, making it completely free. However, if you need support or help with MySQL, you will have to pay for it.

Community Support

It leads to the next point. You hardly have to pay for MySQL support, except perhaps in rare cases, thanks to the contribution of a large community to its aid. The advantage of a vast community is that most people don’t need to ask for exceptional help – you can search the Internet and find many solutions.

IDE

It is important to note that both relational DBMS are supported by different Integrated Development Environments (IDE). These tools offer a coherent development environment, and you can carefully choose what best suits your needs. MySQL boasts Oracle Enterprise Manager, while SQL Server uses Management Studio (SSMS). Both have pros and cons and can be confusing if you do not have clear criteria to justify your decision.

Conclusion

The choice of relational DBMS is essential for those just beginning to develop an application. People who initially adopted one system subsequently flip to another. It is necessary to immediately weigh the different proposals and choose the best one for you.

This tutorial discussed the two most common relational DBMS – MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. We looked at several critical differences between MySQL and SQL servers, even one of which may be enough to make a choice.

In the end, the choice is yours. Typically, if you’re developing medium to small-sized applications and mainly using PHP, move on to MySQL. If you are interested in creating large-scale, secure, sustainable enterprise applications, the SQL server may be much more suitable for you.

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