PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which Database Management System Should You Choose?

It's no doubt that PostgreSQL and MySQL are the most popular database management systems. They are a favorite for most developers, businesses, and enterprises.

As open-source databases, they offer many features and robust performance. But each is suited for different applications. This article compares the two so you can make an informed decision when choosing between them.

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system. A University of California product, it has become a popular database option among small to medium-sized companies.

PostgreSQL supports much of the SQL standard while allowing you to use modern features such as foreign keys, triggers, complex queries, and update views.

What’s more, a user can add new functions, data types, index methods, procedural languages, and operators. This makes it a versatile and flexible option for different uses. And since it is open-source, you can rest assured of a stable and safe database.

Why use PostgreSQL?

There are many reasons to use PostgreSQL as your primary Database Management System, but here are the main benefits.

• It is flexible and open-source

As mentioned, PostgreSQL is open-source, meaning the code is free for anyone to modify. Besides, it is compatible with Windows, Linux, OS X, and Solaris operating systems.

And unlike other open-source relation databases, PostgreSQL is not owned by an individual. Rather, it depends on its community input. This ensures there are many high-quality applications and extensions ideal for different use cases.

• Many features

Another reason to choose PostgreSQL is the many features it affords you. With it, you get features improving the performance, security, and configuration of your database. For example, it is compatible with several programming languages such as:

• Python

• JavaScript

• Perl

• Tcl

• SQL

• Java

• R

In addition to these languages, it also supports network addresses like MAC addresses, CIDR addresses, and subnet masks.

You can also work natively with ranges such as time and date. Types such as hstore allow the user to use key-value pairs.

• Object-oriented

Most popular relational database store data in a table-like structure, using relational algebra to query and modify the data, hence the name Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMSs).

PostgreSQL, on the other hand, comes in an object-oriented design, hence the technical name Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS).

This means it has both object-oriented and RDBMS features. With these features, you can define complex data types, work with many data types, and use inheritance between tables.

• SQL standards

PostgreSQL is SQL-compliant meaning it meets the minimum requirements the ISO and ANSI groups set.

These standards ensure that any SQL system provides the most crucial features. And according to the company, they meet at least 160 of the 179 requirements.

PostgreSQL use cases

Thanks to the many features this relational database comes with, it is ideal for many use cases, ranging from businesses and governments to research institutes. Here are examples of use cases.

• Financial industry

PostgreSQL is ACID compliant making it ideal for OLTP functions. And since it has analytical capabilities, it can be used with software such as R and Matlab.

• Governments

PostgreSQL is a go-to relational database for most governments thanks to PostGIS, a GIS extension. The extension provides crucial functions that help in the processing of geometric data.

• Web technology

PostgreSQL also handles NoSQL workloads, making it ideal for web technologies. Most websites process hundreds of thousands of requests per second, meaning databases need to be scalable. This is where PostgreSQL comes into play. It is compatible with web frameworks such as JavaScript and Python

What is MySQL?

MySQL is the most popular open-source relational database. It is ideal for heavy-load applications and sensitive tasks. That said, it is easy to use and scalable. And if you have low memory, this option will surely work for you.

MySQL can work in client/server systems, allowing it to support different administrative tools, back ends, and application programming interfaces (APIs). It also works in embedded systems, making your systems manageable.

It supports the following languages:

• Java

• C/C++

• Erlang

• Delphi

• PHP

• R

• Lisp

• Go

• Node.js

Why use MySQL?

Like PostgreSQL, there are many reasons why you should use MySQL. Here are the most popular.

• Easy to use

MySQL is an easy-to-use relational database. It does not have a steep learning curve, allowing small businesses to manage their data within minutes. And since it is open-source, you don’t have to pay for upgrades or maintenance.

• Industry-standard

MySQL has been running databases for decades, making it an industry standard for modern database systems. This means, there’s a wealth of resources for both developers and business owners to scale their operations.

• Optimal data security

MySQL is no doubt the most secure database. It is this level of security that makes it an ideal option for large corporations and e-commerce businesses.

• 24/7 uptime

Unlike other database systems, MySQL guarantees 24/7 uptime. You also get specialized server clusters for improved efficiency.

• High efficiency

MySQL comes with storage engine software that provides seamless server configuration for optimal performance. As such, it can handle hundreds of thousands if not millions of requests per second.

MySQL use cases

MySQL and PostgreSQL can be used for almost similar applications, but here are the most popular MySQL use cases.

• E-commerce

MySQL is the most preferred relational database for online transactions. With it, you can manage product catalogs, customer data, and transactions seamlessly. And thanks to its versatility, it works with non-relational databases for syncing data.

• OLTP transactions

MySQL can handle hundreds of thousands of requests with ease, making it ideal for applications that require large data processing. And since it is ACID compliant, you can rest assured to will ensure Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability in every transaction.

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: What is the difference?

PostgreSQL	MySQL
Object-oriented relational database system	Purely relational database management system
ACID compliant	ACID compliant with NDB and InnoDB cluster storage engines
Supports different expression indexes and tree index	Supports tree index (B-tree and R-tree)
Complex to start with	Easy to start with
Supports MySQL data types, plus XML, composite, network address, enumerated, and geometric data types	Supports JSON, date, numeric, character, spatial, and time data types
Provides access control and many encrypted options	Provides access control and encrypted options

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: which one should you choose?

As you can see, both relational databases offer performance ideal for different use cases. If you are looking for a simpler database that is fast and easy to set up, MySQL is your perfect bet.

If on the other hand, you want a database that is feature-rich and handles complex queries, consider using PostgreSQL.