What Is MySQL?
Explained - Definition and Resources

Complete MySQL Resources

The Most Popular Open Source Database System

Store, Manage, and Retrieve Structured Data Efficiently

Updated: February 23, 2025
By: RSH Web Editorial Staff

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What Is MySQL

MySQL is undoubtedly the most popular open source Database Management System in all the world. MySQL also ranks as the second most popular database, according to DB-Engines right behind behind Oracle Database.
MySQL enables users to store, manage, and retrieve structured data efficiently. It is widely used for various applications, from small personal websites to large scale Enterprise sites and even corporate level hosting solutions.

MySQL is a combination of "My" which is co-founder's Michael Widenius's daughter name - My. And "SQL". Which is the acronym for Structured Query Language.

The MySQL logo is a dolphin named Sakila. The name came from users during a contest of “Name the Dolphin”. The winning name was submitted by Ambrose Twebaze, from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Africa. Who is also an open source software developer

MySQL Logo

How Does MySQL Work

MySQL works by allowing its users to create tables and databases. They can store data in these databases then retrieve information from when needed. MySQL stores the data in tables made up of rows and columns. Users can control, define, manipulate, and then query the data using Structured Query Language (SQL). MySQL is written in programming language of C and C++. Its SQL parser is written in yacc, but it uses a home-brewed lexical analyzer.

Who Uses MySQL

MySQL is used by the majority of online applications. Even by the largest websites including Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Uber, Airbnb, Shopify, GitHub, YouTube, Booking.com, etc.

It is reported that more than 21,000 companies use MySQL in United States alone

Content Management Systems or CMS's like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Contao, Sitejet, Concrete5, Bolt, AbanteCart, Mambo, PrestaShop, phpMyFAQ, WikkaWiki, also use MySQL databases

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Different MySQL Editions

There are five types MySQL editions to have the flexibility of choosing from to meet specific business and technical requirements

  • MySQL Enterprise Edition ─ This edition includes the most comprehensive set of management tools, advanced features, and technical support
  • MySQL Standard Edition ─ This edition enables you to deliver high-performance and scalable Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) applications
  • MySQL Classic Edition ─ This edition is the ideal embedded database for OEMs, ISVs, and VARs developing read intensive applications using the MyISAM storage engine
  • MySQL Cluster CGE ─ This is a real time and scalable ACID-compliant database. ACID - (Atomicity Consistency Isolation Durability), combining 5 x 9s availability and open source technology. With a distributed, multi master architecture with a no single point of failure
  • MySQL Embedded (OEM/ISV) ─ MySQL Embedded is the full featured, zero administration database for more than 3000 ISVs, OEMs, and VARs that rely on

What Systems Does MySQL Operates On

MySQL works on a large variety of operating system. This includes AIX, BSDi, FreeBSD, HP-UX, ArcaOS, eComStation, IBM i, IRIX, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, NetBSD, Novell NetWare, OpenBSD, OpenSolaris, QNX, Oracle Solaris, Symbian, SCO OpenServer, Sonos and Tru64.
A port of MySQL to OpenVMS also exists.
You can even install MySQL on your local desktop computer.

MySQL Is Open Source

The MySQL software uses the General Public License (GPL) to define what you may and may not do with the software under different situations. If you feel uncomfortable with the GPL or need to embed MySQL code into a commercial application, you can buy a commercially licensed version. See the MySQL Licensing Overview for more information.

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What Is A Data Base?

Databases are a structured collection of data. From a simple image gallery to a complete shopping website like Amazon or even a intricate corporate network. These databases allows you to access, add, delete, and process data that is stored. You will need a database management system such as a Web Server running MySQL to access the data. Since our modern computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management systems now more than ever play a central role in information storage, as standalone utilities, or as a part of other applications.

What is SQL

SQL was initially created in the 1970s. It is regularly used by database administrators and by developers writing data integration scripts and data analysts looking to set up and run analytical queries. You can use SQL to store, remove, update, retrieve, and search information from the database. You can use it to optimize your database performance.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language

SQL is a programming language that is mainly used in managing databases.

SQL is open-source free to use software. You also have the option to purchase a commercial license from Oracle, which provides access to premium support services.

Commands for MySQL

A few important SQL Commands

  • SELECT ─ extracts data from a database
  • UPDATE ─ updates data in a database
  • DELETE ─ deletes data from a database
  • INSERT INTO ─ inserts new data into a database
  • INSERT ─ creates a record
  • CREATE DATABASE ─ creates a new database
  • ALTER DATABASE ─ modifies a database
  • CREATE TABLE ─ creates a new table
  • ALTER TABLE ─ modifies a table
  • DROP TABLE ─ deletes a table
  • CREATE INDEX ─ creates an index (search key)
  • DROP INDEX ─ deletes an index
  • GRANT ─ gives a privilege to users
  • REVOKE ─ takes back privileges granted from users

mysql Client Commands

Note that all text commands must be first on line and end with ';'

  • ? ─ (\?) Synonym for `help'.
  • clear ─ (\c) Clear the current input statement.
  • connect ─ (\r) Reconnect to the server. Optional arguments are db and host.
  • delimiter ─ (\d) Set statement delimiter.
  • edit ─ (\e) Edit command with $EDITOR.
  • ego ─ (\G) Send command to mysql server, display result vertically.
  • exit ─ (\q) Exit mysql. Same as quit.
  • go ─ (\g) Send command to mysql server.
  • help ─ (\h) Display this help.
  • nopager ─ (\n) Disable pager, print to stdout.
  • notee ─ (\t) Don't write into outfile.
  • pager ─ (\P) Set PAGER [to_pager]. Print the query results via PAGER.
  • print ─ (\p) Print current command.
  • prompt ─ (\R) Change your mysql prompt.
  • quit ─ (\q) Quit mysql.
  • rehash ─ (\#) Rebuild completion hash.
  • source ─ (\.) Execute an SQL script file. Takes a file name as an argument.
  • status ─ (\s) Get status information from the server.
  • system ─ (\!) Execute a system shell command.
  • tee ─ (\T) Set outfile [to_outfile]. Append everything into given outfile.
  • use ─ (\u) Use another database. Takes database name as argument.
  • charset ─ (\C) Switch to another charset. Might be needed for processing binlog with multi-byte charsets.
  • warnings ─ (\W) Show warnings after every statement.
  • nowarning ─ (\w) Don't show warnings after every statement.
  • resetconnection ─ (\x) Clean session context. query_attributes Sets string parameters (name1 value1 name2 value2 ...) for the next query to pick up.
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MySQL Resources

MySQL Documentation ─ MySQL HeatWave, MySQL Database service for OLTP, OLAP, ML, and Lakehouse.

MySQL Tutorial ─ Learn MySQL Fast, Easy and Fun.

What is MySQL ─ In this tutorial, you will have a basic idea about what is MySQL.

MySQL Tutorial - W3Schools ─ Learn how to use MySQL.

MySQL Glossary ─ These are commonly used terms about the MySQL database server.

MySQL ─ Getting Started with MySQL.

MySQL Community Resources ─ MySQL offers a variety of ways to get help.

MySQL Exercises ─ We have started this section for those who are familiar with SQL and MySQL.

MySQL Tutorial ─ There are five types MySQL editions.

MySQL Cheat Sheet ─ A handy reference to the most commonly used MySQL commands and functionalities.

MySQL Cheat Sheet PDF ─ Learn the basics of data types, date and time functions, working with tables, and more.

MySQL Cheat Sheet ─ Providing you with one page that contains the most commonly used MySQL commands and statements.

Devhints.io MySQL Cheat Sheet ─ A comprehensive guide to MySQL commands, syntax, data types, functions, and more. Find examples, snippets, and links.

SQL Syntax Checker & Validator ─ A free online syntax checker for MySQL SQL statements.

SQL Syntax Checker, CodersTool.com ─ SQL Syntax Checker validates and marks any errors in your SQL queries.

SQL Validator Online, Scaler.com ─ A SQL validator is a tool that helps to validate their SQL code for syntax errors and other issues.

Top Ten MySQL GUI Tools ─ Tools for Efficient Database Management on Windows.

Fundamental tools for MySQL ─ Delivers the basic tools to work smarter and stay on top of your workload.

MySQL Database Interface in cPanel ─ Create manage and delete MySQL databases and database users for your website.

Remote MySQL feature in cPanel ─ Allows remote hosts or Servers to access MySQL databases on your hosting account.

cPanel Database Wizard Interface ─ A third party tool that you can use to create modify or delete records in a MySQL database.

phpMyAdmin ─ An open-source tool built on PHP that enables you to administer MySQL and MariaDB databases online.

MyWebSQL ─ is considered the ultimate desktop replacement for managing your MySQL databases.

Adminer ─ A full featured MySQL database management tool written in PHP.

Vty ─ A web-based database manager script written with Php.

Summary

MySQL is a powerful tool that serves as the foundation for efficient data management in various industries. Its versatility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for any website or a large corporation. With its broad platform support and robust feature set, MySQL has the tools and capabilities to meet any database needs.

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