Postgres vs MySQL are among the most widely used open-source relational database management systems. Each has unique advantages that cater to various development requirements. It is crucial for developers to choose the right database that offers the best impact on performance, scalability, and maintenance. Both MySQL and PostgreSQL primarily support enterprise solutions such as SQL servers and Oracle.
Although PostgreSQL and MySQL share some similarities in concept, there are several differences to take into account before choosing one for implementation.
In this comparison, I’ll explore MySQL vs Postgres differences to help you decide which is the better choice for your development needs. Let’s understand the basic overview of these.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is the most widely used Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) in the world. In 2023, it ranks second in popularity among developers. This open-source RDBMS is recognized for offering organizations quick, dependable, stable, secure, and scalable data management solutions.
MySQL vs Postgres is a preferred option for scalable web applications and is a key component of the LAMP stack, which is highly favored in web development. The LAMP stack is an open-source collection of web technologies that includes Linux, Apache HTTP Server, MySQL, and PHP. Additionally, many popular content management systems, such as Drupal, Joomla, and WordPress, utilize MySQL. As a result, MySQL is found in numerous applications.
MySQL Key Features
- Less flexible and extensible compared to PostgreSQL, which contributes to its lightweight, efficient, and stable nature.
- Provides strong data security with various encryption options for access control.
- Supports a wide array of data types, such as numeric, date/time, character, JSON, boolean, and enumerated types.
- Includes various indexing options like B-tree, hash, R-tree, and inverted indexes.
- Capable of managing a high volume of read and write transactions.
- Backed by a large, active community and offers paid support from different vendors.
- Open-source and maintained by Oracle, with premium versions that include extra services and proprietary plugins.
- Has a community that assists with troubleshooting.
- Features multi-version concurrency control (MVCC).
- Receives regular updates that introduce new features and enhance security.
- Holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1,606 reviews on G2Crowd.
MySQL Background
- MySQL is an open-source database management system developed by Swedish computer scientist Michael “Monty” Widenius in 1995.
- It was acquired by Sun Microsystems in 2008 and later by Oracle Corporation in 2010, raising concerns within the MySQL community.
- In 2009, Widenius created MariaDB by forking MySQL to ensure the availability of a high-performance, open-source relational database.
- MySQL is popular among developers and businesses, particularly for dynamic websites and applications.
- It efficiently manages large datasets and is user-friendly.
- Prominent organizations that utilize MySQL include Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, NASA, Uber, the US Navy, WeChat, Wikipedia, YouTube, and Zappos.
What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is a robust open-source object-relational database system that has been actively developed for more than 35 years. It is well-known for its reliability, rich features, and strong performance.
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Its catalog-driven design enables flexibility and customization, making it suitable for handling complex, high-volume data tasks that go beyond what MySQL offers, including support for various data types and functional languages. Offering advanced features like searching, data indexing, and retrieval, PostgreSQL is a popular database management system for businesses. It may be used for a variety of applications, including analytics, data warehousing, online services, and geospatial.
PostgreSQLKey Features
- Free to use and open source, with a permissive license.
- Holds a 4.4-star rating based on 598 reviews on G2Crowd.
- A hybrid database that merges relational and object-oriented elements.
- Highly customizable, allowing for user-defined functions and stored procedures.
- Offers a diverse range of data types, such as integers, strings, dates, timestamps, and binary data.
- Scalable, making it suitable for both enterprise and web applications.
- Complies with ACID principles, supporting high levels of concurrent transactions and NoSQL features.
- Regular updates, with the latest stable version being 15.4 released in August 2023.
- The first database management system to introduce multi-version concurrency control (MVCC).
- Supported by a large and active community through the PostgreSQL Global Development Group.
- Named Database of the Year in 2020, though it was overtaken by Snowflake in 2021 and 2022.
PostgreSQL Background
- Created by Michael Stonebraker and the University of California, Berkeley in 1989.
- Based on the Ingres relational database system, it became popular due to its innovative features and functionalities.
- Compatible with programming languages like Python and JavaScript.
- A preferred option for applications with high data volumes.
- Used by companies such as Apple, BioPharm, Cisco, Debian, Etsy, Facebook, Fujitsu, IMDB, Instagram, Macworld, and Red Hat.
Postgres vs MySQL: A Quick Comparison
| Category | MySQL | PostgreSQL |
| Database technology | A purely relational database management system. | An object-relational database management system. |
| Features | MySQL has limited support of database features like views, triggers, and procedures. | PostgreSQL supports most advanced database features like materialized views, INSTEAD OF triggers, and stored procedures in multiple languages. |
| Data | MySQL supports numeric, character, date and time, spatial, and JSON data types. | PostgreSQL supports all MySQL data types along with geometric, enumerated, network address, arrays, ranges, XML, hstore, and composite |
| Indexes | MySQL has B-tree and R-tree index support. | PostgreSQL supports multiple index types like expression indexes, partial indexes, and hash indexes trees. |
| Beginner support | MySQL is easier to get started with. It has a wider tool set for non-technical users. | PostgreSQL is more complex to get started with. It has a limited tool set for non-technical users. |
| ACID Compliance | MySQL is ACID compliant only with InnoDB and NDB Cluster storage engines. | PostgreSQL is always ACID compliant. |
This was a postgres vs MySQL comparison table to give you an idea of how they can differ, now let’s explore some key features:
1. Performance and Scalability
Performance in relational databases is measured by metrics like transactions per second, latency, throughput, and resource usage. Scalability refers to the database’s ability to handle multiple transactions and large data volumes simultaneously.
For workloads that are heavy on reading data, MySQL tends to outperform Postgres significantly. MySQL’s default engine, InnoDB, employs row-level locking, which means only the specific rows being accessed by a transaction are locked. This allows other queries to work on different rows in the same table simultaneously, leading to faster query execution for reading data.
While MySQL vs Postgres excels in read-only scenarios, Postgres shines when it comes to handling concurrent read-write operations. It uses multi-version concurrency control, which allows for parallel query execution without the need for read or write locks.
Postgres vs MySQL also employs advanced indexing methods and data partitioning to enhance query performance and speed up insights as the database grows. This capability enables Postgres to scale effectively as the data volume increases.
Postgres typically uses more CPU and RAM than MySQL for similar workloads due to its extensive feature set, leading to more complex queries. If you’re using a managed service like AWS or Azure, estimating costs for your workload is straightforward.
2. User Support
MySQL and PostgreSQL both boast a big community of volunteers ready to help out for free. You can get community support on MySQL’s website, but Oracle also has paid support options.
On the other hand, Postgres SQL vs MySQL has a solid volunteer base that shares advice through IRC and mailing lists, plus there are third-party services for those who want paid support. Some users say that PostgreSQL forums can be a bit slow to respond, and tackling complex issues might make it trickier to get the answers you need.
3. Backup and Recovery
Both systems offer backup and recovery options. PostgreSQL’s backup and recovery tool is known for its efficiency.
Cross-platform: MySQL and PostgreSQL can run on various platforms. However, PostgreSQL is particularly recognized for its performance enhancements on UNIX-based systems.
4. Extensions and Plugins
Both databases are extensible and have many available extensions and plugins. PostgreSQL stands out for its extensibility, featuring a wide array of additional modules like PostGIS for spatial data.
5. Foreign Keys
Both support foreign key constraints, but MySQL’s MyISAM storage engine does not.
6. Indexes
PostgreSQL and MySQL both support various indexing methods. However, Postgres SQL vs MySQL provides advanced indexing options, such as GIN and GiST, which MySQL lacks.
MySQL vs Postgres- Types of Indexes:
- Including B-trees, which are used for INDEX, FULLTEXT, PRIMARY KEY, and UNIQUE types.
- R-trees are used for indexing spatial data types.
- FULLTEXT indexes can utilize hash indexes and inverted lists.
Postgres SQL vs MySQL- Types of indexes:
- Hash indexes and B-tree indexes.
- Partial indexes that focus on specific sections of a table.
- Expression indexes that are based on the results of expression functions rather than just column values.
7. Standard SQL Data Types
Both MySQL and PostgreSQL include standard SQL data types like INTEGER and VARCHAR. Nevertheless, Postgres vs MySQL offers a broader selection, including arrays and hstore.
8. Stored Procedures
Both databases support stored procedures, but PostgreSQL’s PL/pgSQL language offers more comprehensive support compared to MySQL’s routine syntax, allowing for greater creativity in procedure development.
9. Triggers
Both systems allow triggers, but PostgreSQL vs MySQL syntax is more versatile, enabling triggers to be written in multiple programming languages.
10. Views
Both databases can create views, but PostgreSQL also supports materialized views, which store the results of complex queries for faster access and can be refreshed periodically. MySQL allows the use of views, but Postgres vs MySQL provides more advanced features for them.
For instance, you can calculate certain values ahead of time, such as the total of all orders during a specific timeframe, to create materialized views. These materialized views enhance database performance for complex queries.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Postgres vs MySQL are both excellent database management systems that many organizations rely on.
It’s great for a range of applications, including analytics, data warehousing, web services, and geospatial tasks. It comes packed with strong features like search capabilities, data indexing, and efficient retrieval.
FAQ’s
1. Which database is better for web apps, Postgres vs MySQL?
MySQL vs Postgres tends to be the go-to for web applications since it’s quicker, simpler to use, and works well with popular CMS platforms like WordPress and Magento. On the other hand, Postgres SQL vs MySQL is a better fit for more demanding applications that require complex queries and the ability to scale.
2. Is PostgreSQL more secure than MySQL?
Yess! Postgres vs MySQL offers advanced security features like row-level security (RLS), robust authentication methods, and encryption options, making it a top choice for applications that prioritize security.
3. Is migrating from MySQL to PostgreSQL straightforward?
Yes, it can be done easily with the right preparation. Tools like pgloader and the AWS Schema Conversion Tool can help make the transition smoother by handling schema differences and converting data.
4. Which database handles large datasets better?
PostgreSQL is the better option for large datasets and complex queries, thanks to its superior indexing, parallel query execution, and multi-version concurrency control (MVCC).
5. Which database is more suited for AI and machine learning: PostgreSQL or MySQL?
Postgres SQL vs MySQL is the preferred choice for AI and machine learning applications because it supports complex data types, is highly extensible, and works well with data science libraries like Apache MADlib.
6. Which database scales better in cloud environments?
Both databases can be used in the cloud, but PostgreSQL offers better horizontal scalability with tools like Citus, while MySQL is more suited for applications that are read-heavy and utilize replication.
7. Why do Facebook and Netflix use different databases?
Companies choose databases based on their specific needs—Facebook opts for MySQL for its speed in transactions, while Netflix prefers PostgreSQL for its flexibility and scalability.
