MariaDB vs MySQL: Similarities, Differences, and Compatibility

Databases have become essential in most complex software projects. Dynamic websites, in particular, rely on them for storing information - from texts to internal links and usernames and passwords. Due to its efficiency and availability as an open-source project (alongside a commercial enterprise version), MySQL was one of the most popular database servers from the mid-90s until around 2013. Since then, in the competition between MariaDB vs MySQL, the former has started to prevail.

The Separation of MariaDB and MySQL

Behind the development of MariaDB is, among others, the programmer Michael Widenius - himself one of the co-founders and leading developers of MySQL (both languages are named after his daughters My and Maria). The reason for the split of the two projects lies in Oracle's acquisition of MySQL, whose handling of the open-source version of the software increasingly drew criticism. Therefore, MariaDB began as a so-called "fork" - an independent development - of MySQL's public source code.

Differences and Similarities Between MariaDB and MySQL

Generally, MariaDB is fully compatible with databases created under MySQL. The syntax for creating, querying, and modifying data in both systems is almost identical. This means that transferring or converting stored information is not necessary. In almost all cases, it is sufficient to simply switch the server software. However, MariaDB enhances the functionality of MySQL in some aspects - partly through routines that were previously reserved exclusively for paying customers of the Enterprise version. While a switch in one direction is therefore easily possible, difficulties may arise in the other.

Advantages of MariaDB vs MySQL

There are several reasons to consider switching from MySQL to MariaDB. Firstly, MariaDB supports significantly more "engines", which are core routines for working with other databases. Many plugins, which are in the hands of independent third parties under MySQL, are integrated into MariaDB's core system. Overall, the performance in data processing is also significantly higher, partly due to the revision of the source code and the use of more efficient algorithms. Updates are provided to users more quickly, allowing security vulnerabilities to be quickly addressed and more features to be made available. Lastly, MariaDB offers some new features that are not provided by MySQL.

Another advantage - especially for software developers - is that the entire software is open source and can be used without restrictions. In contrast, with MySQL, it was necessary to use the corresponding paid Enterprise version for using the server in programs not licensed under Open Source.

What Problems Can Arise When Migrating?

Until 2015, switching was possible at any time and without any issues, as long as the same version number was used. In the same year, the version of MariaDB jumped from 5.5 to 10 to indicate a significant change in the source code. Nevertheless, migration is still possible in most cases - even between different versions. Problems may arise only with the syntax used in programs for access. These are unlikely to occur if current versions of a Content Management System (CMS) such as Wordpress, Joomla, Magento, or Drupal are used in web hosting. However, with very old systems, incompatibilities may arise with individual queries (which should be updated urgently for security reasons). The integrity of the data itself is not compromised by the compatibility between the two servers.

Reasons for Choosing MariaDB vs MySQL

On Linux, it is advisable to use the database system used by the distribution, unless there are specific reasons for switching. Most Linux distributions have been using MariaDB as the preferred database server for years - including Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Gentoo, Ubuntu, or Red Hat Linux. XAMPP, one of the most popular software combinations for web server-database-PHP, has also joined this trend. An exception is Apple OS X, which still uses MySQL as the preferred server even in 2018. However, this is a rare exception for web hosting.

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