

This also means that technical questions or issues are usually more generic, and the MySQL community can quickly provide answers.Īnother difference between MySQL and PostgreSQL is speed. DBA’s and IT teams with some database experience will find MySQL easy to implement and very intuitive. Because it is strictly an RDBMS, users rave about how quickly they were able to integrate the database into their projects. MySQL, on the other hand, is renowned for its simplicity. Also, because the primary source for support is the technical community at large, it may be more difficult to find answers to unique or business-specific challenges. Because PostgreSQL has added flexibility and customization, it also requires a database administrator (DBA) or IT team well-versed in dealing with OOP programming and more complex implementation issues.

PostgreSQL’s flexibility/complexity paradigm introduces another disparity between the two database systems: the learning curve. While this makes PostgreSQL more flexible, it also makes it (potentially) more complex to maintain. For example, if a custom data type is required to support the needs of the business, PostgreSQL can handle it.

By using OOP, custom data types can be created to extend the DBMS beyond the limitation seen in MySQL. However, PostgreSQL also includes object-oriented programming (OOP) technology in its application. Like MySQL, it encompasses all the data integrity rules that one associates with an RDBMS. PostgreSQL is an Object Relational Database Management System ( ORDBMS). It follows all the rigors and standards applied to an RDBMS, including ACID compliance (atomicity, consistency, isolation, durability) to ensure data integrity, joins, indexing, keys, etc. MySQL is a pure Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The chief difference between the two is that they are slightly different flavors of database management system. These differences, while seemingly minor, can be a significant deciding factor on which DBMS to choose. However, there are differences between the two. The database systems are similar in many ways. While companies such as Uber, AirBnB, Netflix, and Pinterest are known to use MySQL. For example, companies such as Apple, Spotify, Instagram, and Reddit use PostgreSQL. Both have found their way into the tech stacks of industry leaders across every sector. PostgreSQL has been in production since 1996, and MySQL since 1995. PostgreSQL and MySQL are both well-worn and time-tested. The only challenge is that there isn’t a customer service or technical support number or chat link you can use to help with resolving difficult issues. PostgreSQL and MySQL both have a robust community that can assist with technical issues.

While this is easy on the wallet, this also means that there is not necessarily a single source for technical support. For example, both DBMSs are open-source applications. In some ways, PostgreSQL and MySQL are very similar. This article compares the differences between PostgreSQL and MySQL. While they are both fantastic, you still have to determine which is best for your specific needs. Just about everyone who has worked with databases has heard at least one of these names. PostgreSQL and MySQL are both well-known powerhouse database management systems (DBMS).
