What is the difference between SQL and MYSQL? SQL vs. MYSQL

Sanjana Kumari
3 min readMar 18, 2023

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SQL vs MySQL, What is the difference?

Before we start with how SQL and MYSQL differ, let’s examine what they stand for.

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is the way to manage, manipulate, and maintain relational databases. Its primary function is to get hold of querying and retrieving database data.

It serves as a potential tool to generate reports and analytics and craft analytical data for businesses to make data-driven decisions. One can dictate the format of the table by creating, reading, and making updates in the relational database management system (RDBMS).

On the contrary end, MySQL is an open-source database management system that works on the algorithms of Structured Query Language (SQL). MySQL is a widely used SQL tool employed by data-driven organizations to augment statistical deductions and developers.

This software application interacts with SQL commands and interprets them. Hence, it is not a language like SQL but rather an application to access SQL and a platform to manage and interact with a database while employing SQL commands.

In the upcoming section, we have highlighted other notable differences between SQL and MySQL.

What are the major differences between SQL and MySQL?

As mentioned above, MySQL provides a platform to execute SQL functionalities and commands over databases. Besides, here are other differences:

1. SQL has fewer updates or format changes than a database language. However, MySQL being a software application has numerous iterations of updates.

2. MYSQL supports more flexible functionalities like multiple storage engines with plug-in storage, unlike SQL, which supports single storage engines only.

3. Oracle Corporation governs MYSQL, whereas ANSI regulates SQL.

4. While MySQL supports a wide range of join types and optimization strategies, SQL can manage data across several tables using joins.

5. SQL focuses on data integrity and prevents its binaries from manipulating data during execution.

So why is SQL so pertinent to the demands of the industry today?

The answer lies in the inflating demands of data management systems with the rise in the curve of technology. Since SQL is a widely used communication language with databases, it has become a must-have skill for data analysts, data managers, and software developers.

MySQL, because of its flexibility and compatibility with necessary plug-ins and multiple storage engines, stands as the widely used database management system. Anyone who wants to have an edge in the market must get their hands on this application.

That’s why many people often refer to them as being the same, as they are dedicated to the same niche. However, SQL and MySQL are not the same.

Conclusion

Even though MySQL and SQL aren’t the same, they come under the same umbrella when we talk about scalability, efficacy, and efficiency for the dedicated parties.

You can open up new employment prospects and establish yourself as a valuable asset to any firm by developing a solid foundation in these technologies.

If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to avail yourself of our upcoming articles on SQL guide for beginners. Meanwhile, don’t miss out on yet another easy-to-digest article on how to integrate MySQL with XYZ.

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Sanjana Kumari
Sanjana Kumari

Written by Sanjana Kumari

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I am a technology content writer who loves to shed light on various tech-topics to clear the blur around the technology, Cybersecurity and SaaS products

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