About MySQL
MySQL, the most popular Open Source SQL database, is developed, distributed, and supported by MySQL AB. MySQL AB is a commercial company, founded by the MySQL developers, that builds its business providing services around the MySQL database.
MySQL is a database management system.
A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of information in a corporate network. To add, access, and process data stored in a computer database, we need a database management system such as MySQL Server. Since computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management systems play a central role in computing, as stand-alone utilities or as parts of other applications.
MySQL is a relational database management system.
A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and flexibility. The SQL part of ``MySQL'' stands for ``Structured Query Language''. MySQL software is Open Source.
Open Source means that it is possible for anyone to use and modify the software. Anybody can download the MySQL software from the Internet and use it without paying anything. you can buy a commercially licensed version from us. See section 1.4.3 MySQL Licenses.
USAGE OF MySQL DATABASE SERVER
The MySQL Database Server is very fast, reliable, and easy to use. If that is what we are looking for, you should give it a try. MySQL Server also has a practical set of features developed in close cooperation with our users. We can find a performance comparison of MySQL Server with other database managers on our benchmark page. The MySQL Benchmark Suite. MySQL Server was originally developed to handle large databases much faster than existing solutions and has been successfully used in highly demanding production environments for several years. Though under constant development, MySQL Server today offers a rich...