PostgreSQL Vs MySQL: Major Differences and Similarities

Database frameworks are important, whether you are a developer or a data professional. Based on the demands of your job role, you will be putting database frameworks such as MySQL and PostgreSQL to use. Though both of the frameworks are used to store, manage, and process data, they fundamentally differ from each other.

Do you want to know the difference between PostgreSQL and MySQL and which is right for you? Keep reading this article further to find an answer.

Points to be pondered:

• What Is PostgreSQL?
• What Is MySQL?
• Similarities Between PostgreSQL and MySQL
• Which Programming Languages Do PostgreSQL and MySQL Support?
• Features of PostgreSQL
• Features of MySQL
• PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: What Are the Differences?
• When to Use PostgreSQL
• When to Use MySQL
• How to Choose Between PostgreSQL and MySQL
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What Is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database system. The basic form of the database management system is considered a relational database management system (RDBMS). It stores the data in the form of tables, making sure that the content can be mapped relation-wise.

If you add object-oriented features to RDBMS, the database mechanism becomes an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). This kind of database is very helpful in the case of applications that have complex objects associated with them. Many big organizations, such as Netflix, Uber, Twitch, Spotify, etc., use PostgreSQL for relational data management.

Below are some key defining characteristics of PostgreSQL:

• PostgreSQL offers free service solutions to everyone as it is open-source software. You can use its source code for free.
• PostgreSQL provides unconditional support for both SQL and NoSQL-based databases, which means it provides extendability to them.
• Unlike traditional SQL and NoSQL-based databases, PostgreSQL provides additional benefits to its users, and concepts like table inheritance and function overloading are also present. 
• The working principle of PostgreSQL is almost similar to that of other types of contemporary databases. However, the architecture of PostgreSQL is more powerful.
• Various components of PostgreSQL are developed as a combination of multiple procedural languages, like Java, Python, Pearl, etc. However, initial development is done in the C programming language. 

This is a brief introduction to PostgreSQL. In the coming section, we are going to check out what MySQL has to offer.

What Is MySQL?

MySQL is the second-largest database software used by software developers. It is an open-source SQL-based relational database that stores data in one or more tables. This application database focuses on robustness, stability, and maturity.

The MySQL database is developed, distributed, maintained, and supported by Oracle. MySQL is used by many high-level organizations, such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, and others, due to its speed and cost-effectiveness. It also powers database-driven programs like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, among others.

MySQL was developed in 1995. Below are some of the key defining characteristics of MySQL:

• MySQL is freely available in open source, and you can customize it as per your requirements.
• MySQL promises to equip you with a scalable, flexible, and easily accessible database.
• The core components of MySQL are written in the C programming language and CPP programming language.
• MySQL works on a simple client-server architecture in which the end users are known as clients.
• The end users request through a server to access the resources, and a request-response cycle is generated.

If you want to learn tools like PostgreSQL or MySQL, it is preferable to master the SQL programming language first, since all the frameworks are developed from the ground up by keeping SQL as a point of reference. Here’s a Free SQL Course that will help you master the fundamentals of SQL to further master frameworks like PostgreSQL and MySQL.

Similarities Between PostgreSQL and MySQL

Both PostgreSQL and MySQL are commonly used relational database management systems. They have similar characteristics, such as a relational model, an open-source nature, ACID compliance, cross-platform compatibility, and significant community support. Also, they employ normal SQL syntax, so that consumers can be comfortable with it.

Despite these similarities, there are several distinctions between PostgreSQL and MySQL, which allow customers to select the database that best meets their project requirements.

Which Programming Languages Do PostgreSQL and MySQL Support?

PostgreSQL and MySQL may not always support the same programming language. Below is a table that shows the programming languages supported in different databases.

Features of PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has still not managed to outshine its competitors, specifically MySQL, despite its exceptional features. Most of the features of both parties are the same.

Below, you can find the points on which PostgreSQL is preferred. You might find that some features of PostgreSQL are quite similar to those of MySQL. 

• PostgreSQL is built on a very strong architecture that offers a fault-tolerant system, which makes it the most robust database solution provider.
• PostgreSQL is fast, provides a flexible system, has a scope of scalability, and is highly secured as compared to other competitors.
• PostgreSQL offers a highly compatible software system that makes PostgreSQL compatible with every operating system out there on the market.
• PostgreSQL provides integration possibilities with the new emerging technologies, which makes it more reliable than any other database.

If you want to learn about Postgre SQL in detail, then check out our Youtube video:

Features of MySQL

MySQL is very popular among developers because of the below-mentioned reasons.

• MySQL is well documented, well maintained, and has the rich support of an active community.
• MySQL stores data in a tabular format, that is, in rows and columns. Every record present in the database is indexed, which makes it highly accessible.
• MySQL has the longest active development time phase as compared to others, and PostgreSQL, if we want to talk specifically about it.
• MySQL offers a very scalable system that has better performance optimization when offering services.
• The services offered by MySQL are agile and highly customizable according to your needs.
• The software solutions provided by MySQL are very versatile, which means that they are supported by almost every operating system.
• MySQL has very comprehensive support for multiple programming languages and associated frameworks, which makes integration with other services very simple.

Is the flooding of information on PostgreSQL vs. MySQL confusing you? Don’t worry. We will make it easy for you.

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: What Are the Differences?

The information that we have discussed in the above sections regarding PostgreSQL vs. MySQL is compressed into a tabular form for easy understanding.

These are the major differences between PostgreSQL and MySQL. We hope you have a clear understanding of both databases.

Want to learn the difference between two different database schemas, such as SQL and NoSQL? Read our comprehensive guide on SQL vs NoSQL.

When to Use PostgreSQL

Below are some of the cases where PostgreSQL is preferred:

• PostgreSQL can be the ideal choice for performing complex read-write operations while working with data that needs to be validated.
• PostgreSQL does not limit the size of your database. So if you need to maintain a large database, PostgreSQL can be the best choice.
• PostgreSQL is a popular choice for NoSQL functionality because it supports a wide range of data types, which include JSON, hstore, and XML.

When to Use MySQL

Below are some of the conditions where MySQL would be preferred over any other database management system:
When it comes to storage engine flexibility, MySQL can be the best choice for use because it provides flexibility to integrate data from a variety of table types, such as InnoDB and MyISAM. For example, InnoDB is a storage engine that supports transactions and foreign key constraints, which makes it ideal for applications that require data integrity. MyISAM is another storage engine that is known for its simplicity and fast read performance, which makes it ideal for read-heavy workloads.

How to Choose Between PostgreSQL and MySQL

Choosing between PostgreSQL and MySQL completely depends on the requirements of the project of an individual or an organization. Below are some of the points that can help you choose between them.

• If you require a feature-rich database that can handle complex queries and large datasets, choosing PostgreSQL over SQL can be the best choice because of its scalability.
• If you require a simpler database that is simple to install and operate, as well as fast, dependable, and easily understood, MySQL can be a great choice over MySQL.
• In terms of learning, MySQL can be a good choice over PostgreSQL because of its larger community, which makes it easier to find resources and support.
  

Conclusion

We hope you all have a good understanding of both the databases, PostgreSQL and MySQL. Remember, there is nothing wrong or right with choosing either of the databases; it is all about which database suits you best according to your needs and requirements. So, if you need advanced features and scalability, handle complex queries and large datasets, and emphasize data integrity and ACID compliance, PostgreSQL is preferred over MySQL. If you prioritize speed and performance and focus on ease of use and simplicity, MySQL is preferred over PostgreSQL.

FAQs