PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: Understanding the Database Tools

There are tons of database management tools in the market currently, but the evergreen battle between PostgreSQL and MySQL never ceases to amaze users.

The right SQL database solution will offer the best compatible solutions for your data architecture. It can make or break your data's operational flexibility, scalability, ease, cost, maintenance, amongst other things.

As a database analyst, should you use MySQL or PostgreSQL for managing your data operations? Let's find out what's best for you.

What Is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is an objective-RDBMS that allows you to work with complex queries and high-volume data operations. It currently finds patrons among eminent names such as Apple, Yahoo, Meta, etc.

Despite being an open-source database, the tool offers a potent database engine strengthened by almost three decades of community and developer updates.

PostgreSQL has found widespread use in enterprise-scale operations as a low-cost RDBMS solution. It is savvy and poses intense competition for relational (SQL) and non-relational (JSON) data. The tool executes long-winded queries on structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.

Postgres' long list of efficient features has made it a must-have for end-users. Some prominent features include a SQL interpreter's ability which helps it handle diverse data types.

The tool is adept at handling RDBMS concepts like table-linking and facilitates easy integration with cloud systems. Postgres offers many other resourceful qualities that make it a noteworthy competitor to MySQL.

What's Good About PostgreSQL?

Some highlights of PostgreSQL which deserve a notable mention include, but are not limited to:

Multi-version concurrency support, point-in-time recovery, and locale-aware sorting
A set of mature documentation that supports rapid-learning for complex query-handling
Open-source nature so that startups can use the same mature DBMS solution as veteran enterprises
A broad scope of library support for aiding custom DBMS requirements
Granular accessibility standards with nested transactions and refined query planning
The database tool supports a large selection of platforms
It is programmed with contemporary and battle-tested web programming languages
Postgres owns a dedicated open-source community support

What's Not So Good About PostgreSQL?

Like the two sides of a coin, Postgres has some notable drawbacks, which we've highlighted below:

Poor horizontal scalability support
Interoperability issues arise when executing the same database with different versions of PostgreSQL on other systems
Lack of support for modern file types, including raw audio/video formats
Slow reading speeds in comparison to modern contemporaries due to its singular storage engine
Poor documentation language support
Problems with local operations
JSON data types require expert query handling capabilities

What Is MySQL?

MySQL offers unparalleled, scalable RDBMS service that empowers reliable, general-purpose web applications. You will find many of your favorite brands like Twitter, GitHub, Google, Flickr using the likes of MySQL.

MySQL has spawned an extensive library of plugins and extensions in a short period, with an intent to outrival PostgreSQL and its contemporaries.

Oracle owns, maintains, and runs MySQL; the organization guarantees premium-quality RDBMS support at no cost. Rest assured, MySQL is a standard database solution for several web programming stacks.

Developers perform online transaction processing and analytical processing with MySQL. Its versatility is evident in its use with API/Webhook-driven web services and apps, CMS platforms, real-time web services, and many more.

The tool's present iteration widely supports data recovery, middleware, data integrators, and security solutions.

What's Good About MySQL?

MySQL has gained widespread recognition and utility, given its usage and adaptability as a tool of choice.

It supports and offers in-built geographic data mapping support for geospatial data types and functions
MySQL has a low service disruption rate and retains stability despite rapid scaling opportunities
The RDBMS tool has high accessibility coupled with variegated programming language support
You can perform high-speed transactions with its multi-storage engine
Check out its extensive documentation for guidance and learning support
MySQL's adaptability, security, and incremental addition of features and patches continue to make it a preferred choice
In-built geospatial data type and function support for geographic data mapping