MySQL Introduction

MySQL is an open-source, fast reliable, and flexible relational database management system, typically used with PHP. This chapter is an introductory chapter about MySQL, what is MySQL, and the main features of MySQL are described here.

What is MySQL?

• MySQL is a database system used for developing web-based software applications.
• MySQL used for both small and large applications.
• MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS).
• MySQL is fast, reliable, and flexible and easy to use.
• MySQL supports standard SQL (Structured Query Language).
• MySQL is free to download and use.
• MySQL was developed by Michael Widenius and David Axmark in 1994.
• MySQL is presently developed, distributed, and supported by Oracle Corporation.
• MySQL Written in C, C++.

Main Features of MySQL

• MySQL server design is multi-layered with independent modules.
• MySQL is fully multithreaded by using kernel threads. It can handle multiple CPUs if they are available.
• MySQL provides transactional and non-transactional storage engines.
• MySQL has a high-speed thread-based memory allocation system.
• MySQL supports in-memory heap table.
• MySQL Handles large databases.
• MySQL Server works in client/server or embedded systems.
• MySQL Works on many different platforms.

Who Uses MySQL

• Some of the most famous websites like Facebook, Wikipedia, Google (not for search), YouTube, Flickr.
• Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, phpBB etc.
• A large number of web developers worldwide are using MySQL to develop web applications.