Hey guys! Could you please explain the difference between mysql and ms sql database technologies. When it is better to use each of them?The ppoint is that I have some experience of work with mysql(I created databases and tables using phpmyadmin) however I have never been connected with ms sql databases. That's why I am asking this question. Are there any signifficant differences?
Just look at the recent post in the very same forum http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1001197
From a programmers standpoint they're very similar. The main differences you will find are in different functions, and some syntax variations. From a DBA perspective they're entirely different. Managing them is completely different, as well as their management features, the tools you can use, syntax, functions, the way they are stored on a hard disk, encryption, locking, stored procedures, transactions, and just about everything else. Also, accessing MSSQL from a Linux server is very difficult, and in my experience if you don't absolutely have to (Like existing mission critical databases) don't even consider it. I don't think that either is outright better. MySQL is free, MSSQL is very expensive for anything but the express edition. Both can handle small and medium sized databases without problem. Both can effectively scale for very large databases, MySQL is probably behind once the DB size gets to a certain point. MSSQL is much better suited for replication. MSSQL is far better for use with windows servers. MySQL works faster on *nix than windows. Anything specifc you're looking for?
It used to be that MySQL was a bit more primitive, in that it didn't support transactions (i.e. several updates to related tables, where they all either succeed or fail) or foreign key (e.g. making sure that the supplier code for an order is a valid one). But these days, I believe that the latest version of MySQL supports both. And, for most simple web-based databases, this kind of functionality was often a "nice-to-have" rather than an essential in any case.