In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the three most popular relational databases: MySQL vs PostgreSQL vs SQL Server. Our database developers will share their experience to help you make a wise choice.
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Definition
- MySQL is a definite leader among SQL solutions. Used by Google, LinkedIn, Amazon, Netcflix and Twitter.
- PostgreSQL is known for supporting a lot of data types and rich functionality.
- SQL Server: Unlike PostgreSQL and MySQL, SQL server is a commercial solution.
Functionality
#1 Defragmentation Capabilities
It means unifying the updated database by assigning indexes, revisiting the structure and creating new pages.
MySQL and SQL server offer more of the defragmentation methods that PostgreSQL does. They consume less CPU and provide more flexible settings.
#2 Data Queries
Let’s take a look at how the system’s cache and process user requests:
- MySQL and SQL server offer a scalable buffer pool to pull cache.
- PostgreSQL isolates processes by treating them as a separate OS process.
If your priority is to save resources and storage, we recommend choosing MySQL or SQL Server. If you prefer clear organization, PostgreSQL is better.
#3 Temporary Tables
They allow storing intermediate results from complex procedures to improve database performance.
- MySQL offers limited functionality for temporary tables.
- PostgreSQL and SQL server offer a lot more functionality.
You can divide temporary tables into local and global and configure them with flexible variables. If we develop software that runs a lot of complex processes, we go for either PostgreSQL or SQL Server.
#4 Indexes
They are used to locate data without searching for a particular row.
- MySQL organized indexes in tables and clusters. The search isn’t highly flexible.
- PostgreSQL offers a flexible search. However, the early versions don’t include automated index updates.
- SQL Server offers rich automated functionality for index management.
#5 Memory-Optimized Tables
Such a table is stored in active memory and on the disk space in a simplified way.
- MySQL supports the memory stored table but it can’t participate in transactions and its security is highly vulnerable.
- PostgreSQL doesn’t support in-memory database creation.
- SQL Server uses an optimistic strategy to handle memory optimized tables.
Which means they can participate in transactions along with ordinary tables. Actually, Memory-optimized tables are best set up in MySQL. It’s basically their native approach.
#6 Ecosystem
- MySQL is part of the oracle ecosystem. It’s the biggest SQL database on the market with a large open source community. You will easily find tools for database management, monitoring, optimization and learning.
- The PostgreSQL community offers a lot of tools for software scaling and optimization. The integrations allow developers to perform clustering, integrating AI and cover many other essential features.
- SQL server is highly compatible with windows and all Microsoft OS and tools. The SQL server ecosystem is oriented towards large infrastructures.
#7 Popularity
MySQL is the most demanded database on the market which means finding competent teams, learning resources, reusable libraries and ready add-ons will be easy.
As a conclusion, when we prioritize flexibility, cost efficiency and innovation, we choose open source solutions like MySQL or PostgreSQL. For enterprise projects, we go for SQL Server for its extensive infrastructure and professional management tools.This article was prepared by the EZtek team. We provide software development, UI/ UX design and IT consulting services. Need expert help, contact us now!
