What is MySQL and How Does it Work?

What is MySQL?

MySQL is the world's most popular open-source relational database. It stores data in tables and uses SQL to manage it. It powers WordPress, Facebook (originally), and countless web apps.

Basic Setup

CREATE DATABASE shop;
USE shop;

CREATE TABLE products (
  id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
  name VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL,
  price DECIMAL(10,2)
);

CRUD Operations

INSERT INTO products (name, price) VALUES ('Pen', 2.50);
SELECT * FROM products WHERE price < 5;
UPDATE products SET price = 3 WHERE id = 1;
DELETE FROM products WHERE id = 1;

Why MySQL?

• Free and open source.
• Fast, reliable, mature.
• Huge community and hosting support.
• Works with every language.

FAQs

MySQL vs PostgreSQL?

MySQL is simpler and very fast for reads; PostgreSQL has more advanced features. More in our MySQL guides.

Is MySQL free?

The Community Edition is free and open source.