mariadb-platform-vs-mysql

MySQL and MariaDB are both open-source database software that allow for the storage and querying of data. Though MariaDB is a fork of MySQL, its features have diverged from the source over time.

MariaDB is a popular choice for open-source companies, while more commercial enterprises are more likely to use MySQL. Businesses of varying sizes use both database solutions.

Features

Though MariaDB and MySQL initially had the same set of features, over time, they have developed standout features that set them apart from each other.

MariaDB provides key management features out of the box at all price points through an AWS plugin. Additionally, Maria DB updates more frequently than MySQL, meaning bug fixes release more often than MySQL. Though Maria DB and MySQL both offer GPLv2 community licenses, Maria DB provides more features as part of its community offering.

MySQL supports JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) files, allowing for easy access to any data within JSON documents. Native support for JSON may improve efficiency for organizations with many JSON files. MySQL also provides an improved authentication plugin compared to Maria DB’s default plugin, improving security. Lastly, MySQL offers a robust shell that supports SQL editing as well as JavaScript and Python coding.

Limitations

Though MySQL and MariaDB both offer essential database features, each solution also has a few limitations.

MariaDB’s frequent updates mean that administrators must be vigilant to keep servers up to date. MariaDB also does not offer native support for JSON, though there are workarounds for accessing JSON data there may be a loss of speed compared to MySQL’s native support. Lastly, MariaDB’s default authentication plugin is not as robust as MySQL, which has more secure authentication features out of the box.

MySQL updates at a slower pace compared to MariaDB, while more infrequent updates are less strain on administrators, it could also result in more delayed bug fixes. Though MySQL offers a community license, some MySQL features such as key management aren’t available by default without the premium license. Maria DB provides more features in its community license.

Pricing

MySQL and MariaDB are both open-source software that provide free access to their source code. Both also offer enterprise solutions with customer support or additional features. Larger enterprises may require an enterprise license for either software.

MySQL offers several different server clusters, each with 24/7 support and the complete MySQL feature set. Enterprise clusters start at $2,000 and reach as high as $60,000, depending on what the needs of the business are.

MariaDB offers two enterprise licenses. The first offers the MariaDB platform while the other is a managed service for business. Both packages are quoted depending on the size and needs of the business.

Maria DB (fork of MySQL)

Features

• Offers AWS key management as a default feature
• More frequent updates means quicker bugfixes
• includes entire feature set in the GPLv2 community license

Cons

• Frequent updates requires vigilance from managers to keep servers up to date
• Does not support JSON datatype, due to developer belief that it is not part of the SQL standard
• Weaker default authentication plugin

Price

• open source, so code is available
• offers their platform, as well as a managed service for businesses that is quoted depending on business size and needs

MySql

Features

• supports json datatype
• improved authentication through upgraded plugin
• MySQL shell allows for scripting in javascript and python, as well a SQL editing

Cons

• Has a key management plugin, but isn’t available below the premium price point
• Some features are locked behind a premium price point, rather than being included in the GPLv2 community license, including key management
• Slower updates can mean bugs are slower to be fixed

Price

• open source, code available
• Enterprise clusters available starting at $2,000 with 24/7 support and full features