MariaDB vs MySQL: Which Database Is Better for Your WordPress Website? There are a lot of databases out there, and it can be hard to decide which one is best for your business. One of the most popular options is MariaDB, while MySQL is another popular choice.
MariaDB and MySQL are both open-source, meaning they can be used by anyone. But how can you tell which one is better for you?
Let’s take a look at MariaDB vs MySQL for your business.
We’ll compare the two databases to see if they’re right for you. We’ll also look at how they stack up against each other in terms of security, community support, and more.
What is MariaDB?
MariaDB is an open-source fork of MySQL that was developed by the original MySQL developers in 2009. The main objective of the MariaDB project is to keep MySQL as compatible as possible while adding new features and enhancements.
Unlike other open-source projects, MariaDB is meant to be used as a plug-in for existing MySQL programs and scripts. This means that MariaDB is built on the existing MySQL code base, but with some added features, such as:
◾ Enhanced scalability and scalability through high-performance storage engines, like Aria, XtraDB, etc. These storage engines are optimized for large volumes of data and high concurrency.
◾ Enhanced security features, like data-rest encryption, and support for the most up-to-date security standards.
MariaDB security team actively monitors and resolves security issues.
◾ MariaDB supports the most up-to-date data types and data storage engines, including JSON and the Cassandra storage engine. JSON enables MariaDB to support semantically structured data, and queries can be made using SQL. The Cassandra storage engine enables MariaDB to operate horizontally on commodity-based hardware.
◾ MariaDB is supported by a variety of plug-ins and extensions, such as the widely-used MariaDB connector/J, which enables MariaDB to connect to Java applications.
◾A strong developer and user community. MariaDB has an active developer and user community that contributes to the project through feedback and suggestions for new features.
MariaDB is one of the most popular databases in the world and is often seen as a more mature version of MySQL.
MariaDB is the go-to database for businesses that need enterprise-grade security, scalability and performance, as well as a variety of plugins and extensions.
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a widely used, open-source, relational database. It was first developed in 1995 by MySQL AB (now owned by Oracle). MySQL is renowned for its robustness, user-friendliness, and speed. Some of the key features of MySQL are:
◾A stable and documented codebase
Platform and operating system support (Windows, Linux, MacOS)
◾Different storage engines (InnoDB (default), MyISAM) that support different workloads/data types
◾Largest community (developers and users) with many resources (Official MySQL ◾Documentation, MySQL Community forum, etc.)
◾Support for a variety of programming languages including JAVA, PHP, PYTHON, C++, etc.
◾Distributed Database, Sharding, and Replication
◾Businesses can scale databases and increase performance and availability
◾Different Authentication Methods: Password, SSH, PAM, etc.
◾Different Data Types: Time and Spatial Data Types
Unlike MariaDB, MySQL doesn’t have as many powerful features or perform as MariaDB, but it’s considered more stable and established in the market. It’s a great choice for businesses that have already invested heavily in their MySQL infrastructure or applications and for those who want a more stable and established solution.
Comparing MariaDB and MySQL
Performance and scalability
MariaDB and MySQL are both performance-oriented databases, but MariaDB is generally more scalable.
MariaDB’s scalability is largely due to the advanced storage engines that MariaDB uses, like Aria, XtraDB, etc. These engines are designed to handle high volumes of data and high concurrency.
The MariaDB development team focuses on scalability and performance improvements, while MySQL development focuses on stability and backward compatibility.
Security and encryption
Unlike MySQL, MariaDB has built-in data-rest encryption and supports the most recent security standards. Additionally, MariaDB has an active security team that monitors and resolves security issues.
On the other hand, MySQL does not support data-rest encryption, and is not as well-developed in terms of security standards.
Plugins and extensions
MariaDB and MySQL both have a large number of plug-ins and extensions available. However, MariaDB offers more advanced functionality, for example, the MariaDB connector/j for Java apps.
MariaDB's development team focuses on adding new functionality and features, while MySQL' development team focuses on stability and backward compatibility.
Community support and resources
MariaDB and MySQL both have large and active developer and user communities. The MariaDB community is known to be very friendly and helpful. They have an active forum and a mailing list where you can ask questions and get tips. The MariaDB documentation team also provides detailed and easy to understand documentation.
On the other hand, MySQL has a large community with a wide range of resources. You can find the official MySQL documentation as well as the MySQL Community forum. However, the MySQL community is not as active as the MariaDB community.
Pricing and licensing
Both MariaDB (OpenDB) and MySQL (MySQL) are free-to-use open-source databases that can be downloaded and used by businesses. Businesses can also opt for commercial support and consultancy services offered by the vendors.
MariaDB provides commercial support and support services via MariaDB Corporation. MySQL provides commercial support and service through Oracle.
Which Database Does WordPress Use?
WordPress is one of the most popular CMS (Content Management System) applications. It stores its data in a relational database, such as Posts, Pages, and Users.
WordPress uses MySQL as its Database Management System (DBMS) by default. However, you can also use MariaDB as your WordPress installation DBMS.
There are a few steps you need to take to install MariaDB for WordPress. First, you need to install it on your server.
Then, you need to create a new database (MariaDB) and user (WordPress) for your installation.
Finally, during your WordPress installation, you need to enter your MariaDB connection details.
It is important to note that both MariaDB and WordPress are compatible and in most cases there are no significant differences in performance or functionality.
However, if your business needs advanced security features, better performance and scalability and a wide variety of plugins and extensions then you may want to consider using MariaDB instead of WordPress as the DBMS.
WordPress uses MySQL as the default database management system (DBMS) but you can also use MariaDB.
It is important to remember that choosing the right DBMS for your business will depend on the needs of your business.
Which Database is Right for Your Business?
MariaDB vs MySQL: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to choosing the right database for your business, it’s important to consider your business’s specific needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a database that offers advanced security capabilities, better scalability, and a variety of plug-ins and extensions to choose from, MariaDB might be the better option for you.
On the other hand, if you rely heavily on your current MySQL infrastructure or existing applications, you may want to stick with MySQL.
If you’re a business that relies on commercial support or consulting services, you’ll want to consider what the vendor offers.
Conclusion
All in all, MariaDB is more robust and reliable than MySQL. However, there are some key differences between the two. Generally speaking, MariaDB has better scalability and performance, better security capabilities, and more plugins and extensions available. MySQL, on the other hand, is known for being stable, easy to use, and has a large developer and user community. Taking these factors into account, you can decide which database is best for your business based on your specific needs and the available resources from each vendor.
While we’ve covered MariaDB in this article and highlighted the key differences between the two, there’s still a lot more you need to know about each of them. If you’re still interested in learning more about MariaDB or MySQL, we encourage you to check out their official websites. Here, you’ll find all the information and resources you need to get started.
