The main differences between SQL and MySQL that you should know

SQL and MySQL are two terms you should expect to hear whenever there is a mention of working with databases. The are two terms that many novices would equally use interchangably, yet they are not synonymous. In case you are about to join interviews, or are getting ready to complete a database project, or just need to have a rough idea of what is in store, this guide will guide you to get a clear picture of the differences between SQL and MySQL.

What is SQL?

A common programming language used to control and create recessive databases is the SQL (Structured Query Language). It is applied to:

In brief, SQL is a language, not a databank or a tool. It forms the basis of all relational database packages such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle and SQL Server.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is an SQL relational Database management system (RDBMS).

It is an open-source database system heavily used on web applications, enterprise systems and personal work.

MySQL major features:

What are the characteristics of SQL and MySQL?

Although SQL and MySQL are two different databases, there are specific powers that each of them possesses:

SQL Features:

Uniform commands in the major database systems.
Allows manipulation of data and naming of schema.
Supports various relational databases such as Oracle, PostgreSQL and SQL server.
Platform portable.
Rigorous security and transactional assistance (ACID adhering to the majority of databases).

MySQL Features:

Free and economical to both users and companies.
Allows ACID transactions with engine InnoDB.
Scalability is offered by replication and clustering.
Fits in web platforms such as PHP, Python and Java.
Light, optimized on read-heavy applications (typical at the web apps).

Scalability

SQL (General):
SQL alone is merely a language; thus, it is scalable depending on the system that uses it in databases. It is possible with most production databases (such as Oracle or PostgreSQL):

MySQL:

Applied frequently in businesses that include Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to deal with very large amounts of data as it has the opportunity to scale flexibly.

Performance

SQL (General):
Its performance is based on the database engine and the extent of query optimisation. Issues such as indexing, caching, and hardware resources have significant roles to play.

MySQL:
It is fast on content-based websites due to its optimization on read-dominated applications.

It is possible to improve performance with:

The Major Differences between MySQL and SQL

SQL

A SQL-based query language
Language / standard
To query and manage data
It depends on the RDBMS in which it is implemented
Needs a database system to operate
Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL

MySQL

A database management system (RDBMS) based upon SQL
Software / application
To store, manage and organize data
It is extremely scalable and takes full advantage in terms of reading quickly
Dependency upon SQL to communicate with the database
Works with one particular RDBMS of many others

Which is a priority to learn?

Learn SQL first when you want to learn how to work with any database.

Learn MySQL if you want to apply SQL commands in a real world setting and create real database based applications.

Concisely, SQL is the language and MySQL is one of the platforms to use that language.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the distinction between SQL and MySQL is essential to someone who intends to venture into a career in data, development, or IT.

SQL provides you with the universal competencies to operate in relation to any database system.

MySQL offers a real-life system where one can use those competencies.

In case you are determined to develop your career, it is worth taking a professional SQL training in Hyderabad program. It will assist you in learning the basics of SQL, working with MySQL, and becoming confident in future projects and interviews.