MariaDB and MySQL are two popular relational database management systems (RDBMS) that are widely used in the industry. Both were initially developed as open-source software, but MariaDB was developed as a fork of MySQL in 2009 due to concerns about the acquisition of MySQL by Oracle Corporation. While both databases share many similarities, MariaDB has some distinct advantages over MySQL. In this blog post, we will explore why MariaDB is better than MySQL.

Faster Performance

MariaDB is known to have faster performance than MySQL due to its advanced features such as Parallel Replication, Threadpool, and Galera Cluster. Parallel Replication allows the database to replicate data across multiple servers simultaneously, which results in faster replication times and reduced replication lag. Threadpool is another feature that improves performance by optimizing thread usage, thereby reducing thread context switching and improving response times. Galera Cluster is a multi-master clustering technology that allows read and write operations to be distributed across multiple nodes, which improves scalability and reduces the likelihood of downtime.

More Advanced Security Features

MariaDB has more advanced security features than MySQL. MariaDB includes features such as Data-at-Rest Encryption, Audit Plugin, and Password Validation Plugin. Data-at-Rest Encryption is a feature that encrypts data stored on disk, which prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data in the event of a security breach. Audit Plugin allows database administrators to track and log database activity, which helps to detect and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. Password Validation Plugin enforces password complexity and expiration policies, which helps to prevent weak passwords and brute-force attacks.

More Active Development

MariaDB has a more active development community than MySQL. MariaDB has been developed as a community-driven project, which means that anyone can contribute to the development of the software. This has led to a more rapid pace of development, with frequent releases and updates. MariaDB also has a larger team of developers working on the project, which means that bugs and security vulnerabilities are fixed more quickly.

Better Licensing

MariaDB is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which is a free and open-source license. MySQL, on the other hand, is dual-licensed, which means that it can be used under either the GPL or a commercial license. This has led to some confusion among users about which license to use and what features are included in each license. MariaDB’s single license model simplifies the licensing process and ensures that all users have access to the same features.

More Compatibility with MySQL

MariaDB is designed to be highly compatible with MySQL, which means that it can be used as a drop-in replacement for MySQL. This means that existing applications that were built for MySQL can be easily migrated to MariaDB without the need for significant changes. MariaDB also includes some additional features that are not available in MySQL, which means that applications can be easily extended to take advantage of these features.

Better Support

MariaDB offers better support than MySQL. MariaDB has a dedicated support team that provides timely and effective support to users. MariaDB also offers a range of support options, including email support, phone support, and community forums. MySQL, on the other hand, relies primarily on community support, which means that users may not receive timely or effective support.

Lower Cost

MariaDB is generally less expensive than MySQL. MariaDB offers a range of pricing options, including free and open-source licenses, as well as commercial licenses for enterprise users. MySQL’s dual-license model can be confusing and may result in higher costs for some users.

Conclusion

MariaDB offers a range of advantages over MySQL, including faster performance, more advanced security features, more active development, better licensing, more compatibility with MySQL, better support, and lower cost. While both databases are suitable for different use cases, MariaDB is a more compelling choice for users looking for a high-performance, secure, and cost-effective database solution.

It’s worth noting that MySQL still has a large user base and is widely used in the industry, particularly in web applications. However, the rise of MariaDB as a popular alternative has led to many users switching to MariaDB due to its many advantages.

In conclusion, MariaDB is a better option than MySQL for users who prioritize performance, security, compatibility, support, and cost-effectiveness. Its advanced features, active development community, and simplified licensing make it a more compelling choice for modern applications.