PostgreSQL and MySQL are types of database management systems (DBMS). This article explains the differences between the systems, reviews the recent trends, and attempts to answer the question of which database management system takes the lead in 2019. Hint: it might not be an either-or answer.
Primary Database Model – RDBMS vs ORDBMS
Databases store data in an organized manner that enables easy access and management. A database management system (DBMS) is a software for the development, monitoring, and management of database platforms.
MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS). The RDBMS is made up of a set of programs that enable a relational organization, in which a row-based table structure connects related data elements. An RDBMS provides features for the management of data security and integrity.
PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). The ORDBMS combines the relational model (RDBMS) with the object-oriented model (OOBDMS) in which data components can be organized as objects and classes. The hybrid functionality of the ORDBMS enables flexible organizational methods based on the needs of the organization.
License and Support – Open-Source vs Proprietary Code
MySQL is a dual-licensed software owned by Oracle Corporation. A free open-source community version of MySQL is available under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPLv2). Paid editions grant licenses for the propriety use of MySQL, providing additional functionalities such as plugins, data-at-rest encryption, and various cloud services.
PostgreSQL is an open-source project supported by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group. The PostgreSQL community contributes to the development of the software and provides educational resources such as the PostgreSQL wiki, official documentation, and online forums. A variety of companies offer commercial support worldwide.
SQL and ACID Compliance vs. Non-Compliance
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language used for RDBMS. SQL compliance is comprised of a set of regulations that standardize the implementation of SQL in databases.
ACID compliance ensures that a database achieves the four metrics needed for database reliability ”Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability (ACID).
MySQL meets only some of the SQL standards and does not achieve full SQL compliance. While the default standard of MySQL isn’t ACID-compliant, you may achieve ACID compliance by using a table handler.
PostgreSQL aims to get you as close as possible to full SQL compliance by providing 160 out of the 179 core standard sets needed to achieve full SQL compliance and. To maintain the integrity of the data and achieve ACID compliance, PostgreSQL implements a multi-version currency control.
Replication Method – Synchronous vs Asynchronous
Replication is a process that creates copies of data, usually from a ‘master’ to one or more ‘slave’ databases. The purpose of replication is to enable backup and prevent data loss, improve database performance, and provide copies for analysis.
Database clustering is a method that uses multiple resources such as shared database storage for multiple database client access. In database clustering, multiple databases form a cluster that shares the task of serving client requests.
MySQL combines one-way asynchronous replication with a MySQL Cluster that provides shared-nothing clustering and auto-sharding. Inside the cluster, the synchronous replication implements a two-phase commit mechanism, while servers form master-slaves replications.
PostgreSQL provides synchronous 2-safe replication for synchronizing a master database is with a slave database. To prevent loss of data, each write needs confirmation from master and slave. While replication is a relatively new feature in PostgreSQL, the system provide support configurations through extensions.
Level of Flexibility – Integration and Tools
Maintaining databases can often be a complicated and time-consuming job. A recent survey found that monitoring is the most time-consuming database management task. Integrating with a set of dedicated tools can help speed up processes and prioritize tasks.
MySQL integrates with third-party tools, many of which are free open-source systems such as phpMyAdmin and Workbench for MySQL administration, and a number of plugins such as MariaDB for database auditing.
PostgreSQL provides compatibility with many programming languages and platforms.
While PostgreSQL is complex, it enables integration with tools such as Postgres management that help monitor and manage the database.
Level of Functionality – Complex vs Simple
MySQL has been a popular database system since its initial release in 1995. Since then, a community of developers contributed to the continued education of professionals in the field of database maintenance. As a result, the MySQL community is supported by extensive resources that help make the system fast and user-friendly.
PostgreSQL operated on a model that enables exhaustive system customization. The catalog-driven operation of PostgreSQL help designate object code files and then loading on a need-basis through the use of dynamic loading. PostgreSQL supports query features capable of leveraging multiple Central Processing Units (CPUs) to enhance the speed in which queries are answered.
Data Management Trends in 2019
While MySQL has been the most popular database management system for a long time, a recent study indicates that PostgreSQL is now in the lead by 10%. However, often different projects and organizations require different approaches that can’t always be satisfied with the use of one system.
Combining multiple databases to support different database uses help create a strong data infrastructure that utilizes the strengths of each system. In this case, you can combine PostgreSQL and MySQL in an overall data strategy that promotes compatibility for complex operations like data warehousing and online transaction processing and MySQL for fast and easy distributed operations.
