What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL? A Detailed Guide

Databases have always been crucial in the business sphere and have become an integral part of every sector. SQL and MySQL are two major topics when working on databases. Where SQL is the query language, MySQL is the RDBMS platform that uses the SQL language to maintain and modify large amounts of data.

Read on to get a deeper understanding of SQL vs MySQL. Also, learn how both these components work and why they are important in the field of data science, and management.

What is a Database?

A database can be defined as an assortment or compilation of data that is stored in a digital system such as a computer or a server. A database is used to store and keep track of large amounts of data which becomes easier to manage when stored within a database. Users can also update and retrieve information as and when required without any hindrance.

Generally, a database appears in the form of tables consisting of the desired number of rows and columns. Tables are the foundation of a database. One can easily read and retrieve data from tables. Each column consists of one feature or component, such as names and serial numbers and the corresponding rows consist of the values that the user adds.

So the question of the difference between SQL and MySQL can easily be answered if one knows the concept of database and its usage.

What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL?

Here comes the most important portion of the topic, SQL vs MySQL. It consists of the answers to 'What is the difference between SQL and MySQL’. Even though both of them are closely related to each other, they possess certain differences that are listed in the following table: 

Basis	SQL	MySQL
What is it?	SQL is a well-organised query programming language that is used to manage relational database management systems.	MySQL is an open-source RDBMS which uses SQL language for working with data.
stands for	Structured Query Language.	’My’ is the name of the daughter of the co-founder, and SQL is an RDBMS that uses the SQL language.
Used for	Generally, SQL is used to write queries in order to operate and work with the database management systems.	On the other hand, MySQL assists users in modifying, deleting, updating and storing structured data within the platform.
Supports and is compatible with	SQL is less flexible and it does not support any connecting applications. It is not compatible with any connectors.	The MySQL platform has an inbuilt application, called the MySQL Workbench. This tool helps users to promptly create, build, modify and design various databases.
Storage capacity	There is only one single storage engine when SQL is concerned.	MySQL is a very flexible platform and it can support multiple storage engines. At the same time, it also comes with the facilities of plug-in storage.
format/structure	SQL only supports one single standard format. It does not come with frequent application updates.	MySQL platform, on the other hand, has variations and it comes with frequent updates. It helps the platform remain up to date with the latest technology inclusions.
manipulation of data	While working with SQL, it does not allow the processors to update or manipulate data at the time of execution. Hence, it is a secure language.	MySQL is less secure and prone to security threats as it permits third-party processes to access and modify information at the time of execution.

What is SQL?

While understanding the concept of SQL vs MySQL, one may often think what is SQL in DBMS? So the concept of SQL which is Structured Query Language can be defined as a standardised and widely recognised language that is often used to work on databases. Database management systems generally employ the use of SQL in order to maintain and manage the information contained in it. 

The standard SQL syntax provides the same type of syntax for performing different database functions, such as adding data, retrieving data, modifying data and so on. However, there can be negligible differences in syntax while working on different databases but the major part remains the same. 

Various SQL syntaxes allow users to perform different mathematical and management functions. It permits users to add or delete data, modify and update data, alter data and many other functions. 

What is an SQL Server?

To understand what SQL is and MySQL, it is important to understand the different components of SQL and SQL servers. SQL Server can be defined as the RDBMS, which expands to a Relational Database Management System developed by Microsoft. It works just like any other database and allows users to manage, store and retrieve information for a variety of services and applications.

The SQL server uses SQL language to work on and interact with the databases. SQL vs MySQL is a basic but important understanding for tech aspirants. SQL Server is also a programming language that performs tasks like filtering, sorting, creating tables, joining data, writing queries etc so that users can properly maintain track of data in an electronic form. 

Additionally, an important feature of SQL server is that it can provide high-end features such as more security, longevity of data, advanced availability and increased scalability. All kinds of businesses such as small-scale businesses and MNCs can make use of SQL servers for their web applications and data analysis processes.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a type of relational database management system, and it is also one of the oldest RDBMS available. It was introduced in 1995 and has proven to be greatly helpful for the purpose of storing and managing data. MySQL AB developed this database and it was acquired by Sun Microsystems, which is present-day, Oracle Corporation. MySQL full form is ‘My’, which is the daughter of the co-founder and SQL is a relational database management system that uses Structured Query Language.

One question, what is MySQL used for? To understand this one should know that MySQL is an open-source application and was launched as an attempt to provide a platform for storing and managing well-organised data. MySQL is written in C and C++ programming languages and it is compatible with all available operating systems such as Linux, Unix, Windows etc. 

One can thoroughly understand SQL vs MySQL if one knows how the two components independently work. How is MySQL used and why it is important is a significant factor for database professionals. 

How Do You Use SQL With MySQL?

Many people wonder ‘Is SQL and MySQL same?’ Well, both of these are closely related, but it has some minor differences. SQL is commonly defined as a foundational language that is employed to manage and modify data in various databases, whereas MySQL is an open-source RDBMS that is compatible with the structured query language. 

In simple terms, SQL is the language and MySQL is the platform where the SQL language is used. It is one of the most common components of SQL vs MySQL. In order to use SQL in connection with MySQL, one needs to install the application of MySQL in their computer system along with a client application that is compatible with SQL.

If one wants to build communication with my SQL employing SQL, one needs to either employ a Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool or a command-line client that supports the working of SQL with MySQL. One can use common query statements to define the connection such as:

• SELECT
• INSERT
• DELETE
• UPDATE

Do All Databases Use SQL?

No, all databases do not use SQL. Databases have various kinds and most of them use SQL, but there are some other databases as well that use some other query, language and structures. Even though it is easier to manage relational databases by using SQL and it is one of the most convenient forms of database, there exist other forms as well.

Other databases like MongoDB and Cassandra, use a document-based approach and exhibit specialised query languages. These are also very promising databases, but these do not employ SQL. 

Another form of database, which is graphically extensive, such as Neo4j  uses organisational structures and some other particular programming styles, which again is not SQL.

What are SQL and MySQL Used For?

Almost every sector uses electronically controlled systems to store and manage large amounts of information. SQL is a command-based query language that is used to store, manage, update, modify, alter, and manipulate data in relational databases. Structured Query Language is expansively used in industries like IT, retail, healthcare, marketing, finance an so on.

SQL vs MySQL is a significant topic for understanding the variations in both components. MySQL is a famous open-source platform that uses the SQL language to communicate with databases and enhance the RDBMS functionalities. MySQL is the RDBMS that employs the structured query language to store, modify, alter, manage, and retrieve data from various web applications.

MySQL has the ability to develop robust and dynamic web pages when collaborating with programming languages like PHP. It elevates the capabilities of the open/source platform, which conclusively generates meaningful web applications and websites. One may consider signing up for the Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics to understand the deeper insights of both these components.

Commonalities Between SQL and MySQL

The topic of SQL vs MySQL also throws some light on the similarities between the two. Both SQL and MySQL are two crucial components in the sphere of data management. MySQL is one of the widely recognised open-source RDBMS platforms, whereas SQL is a popularly used query language. mostly, these two differ in their characteristics and features, but it has certain similarities as well.

The commonalities between SQL and MySQL are enumerated as follows:

• The data types used and supported by SQL and MySQL are very similar for example; numeric, string, boolean etc.
• Both SQL and MySQL have similar data modification and manipulation operators such as SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE etc. 
• The syntax used by both SQL and MySQL are very identical to each other as the keywords used while writing the queries are similar. For example, both SQL and  MySQL make use of the keywords WHERE, ORDER BY, FROM etc. 

How to Choose Which is Best to Use Between SQL and MySQL?

When contemplating the question of whether should I learn SQL or mySQL, it’s crucial to understand that my SQL is essentially a specific implementation of SQL language. In order to modify, change and alter a relational database management system, individuals make use of SQL language. Hence, MySQL is the RDBMS platform and SQL is the query language that is used by MySQL. 

Both SQL and my SQL are important as both of them have different functionalities. While contemplating the topic of SQL vs MySQL, it is imperative to understand that one cannot work with MySQL without implementing SQL query language and vice versa. One must remember that MySQL is just one particular implementation of the SQL language. 

Conclusion

SQL vs MySQL is a very important topic for people who want to take up data science and computer applications as their field of career. There is no winning over the other, and no one can say which one is best because both SQL and MySQL have different characteristics and functionalities having limited similarities. The smartest thing to do is to use both of them together and take out the best output, considering the specific needs of the companies.
If you wish to learn more about databases, SQL, and MySQL consider enroling in the Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics by Imarticus. This program will help you get a personalised learning experience with proper practical knowledge. This postgraduate programme will help you stand out among your contemporaries and help you advance in your professional life.

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