Oracle vs. MySQL: Detailed Comparison of Syntax & Uses for These Databases

Database management systems allow organizations to categorize and structure available data to create a smooth, more organized working environment. They are fundamental for businesses because they provide an effective way of managing large volumes and various data types. Thus, companies can make informed decisions quicker. Picking the right database management system makes a difference. While some systems have specific features to comply with your business objective, others simply don't. If you're looking to decide on your next database management system, whether to go with MySQL or Oracle, the following comparison will give you the required information to make the right decision.

Table of Contents

1. Key Differences between Oracle and MySQL
2. Overview of Oracle
3. Overview of MySQL
4. Oracle vs. MySQL: Syntax & Use Comparison
5. Oracle vs. MySQL: How to Decide 
6. Supercharge Your Data with Xplenty

Key Differences Between Oracle and MySQL

While both MySQL and Oracle provide the same architecture with the Relational Model and offer many standard features such as a proprietary software license, there are some critical differences between the two tools.

1. MySQL provides a GPL software license, while Oracle doesn’t. 
2. Oracle is compatible wiht Linux, UNIX, Windows, Mac OS X and z/OS. MySQL is compatible with all of those plus Symbian, BSD, and AmigaOS. 
3. MySQL supports full-text and hash indexing only. Oracle uses more indexes than just these, including Bitmap, function-based, Partitioned, and so forth.
4. Oracle supports distributed databases while MySQL doesn’t
5. Oracle is better for enterprise deployments, while MySQL is suited for small to medium scale.
6. MySQL is free, while Oracle requires a licensing fee.

Overview Of Oracle

Oracle is a relational database management system designed to be self-driving, self-securing, self-repairing, and eliminate error-prone manual database management. It can run on various operating systems and allows for safe storage and fast retrieval of data. Oracle is the first database tool developed for business purposes to manage data using a query language, released in 1980 with basic SQL features. 

Oracle Database Features

• It is scalable, portable, distributed, and programmable.
• It allows interacting with the database without knowing the physical storage of the data.
• Oracle enables the communication between applications across the different platforms with the Oracle database smoothly.
• Oracle database can run on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.
• It enables the ACID property to maintain the integrity and reliability of your data.
• It can manage a large volume of data quickly.
• It has a recovery manager tool that provides cold, hot, and incremental database backups and recoveries.

Some other benefits of Oracle include:

• Capable of running large ILTB and VLDBs.
• Very feature-rich.
• Reliable.
• Provides Flashback technology.

Overview Of MySQL

MySQL is a popular database management system designed for handling relational databases. It is a scalable, open-source tool supported by Oracle Company. Compared to the Oracle database, MySQL's processing is just as fast and its interface is often cited on review sites as being more intuitive and easier to use.

The Swedish Company MySQL AB developed and supported MySQL. In January 2008, Sun Microsystems bought MySQL AB for $1 billion. In April 2009, Oracle Corporation agreed to purchase Sun Microsystems, then owners of MySQL copyright and trademark. Many small and big companies use MySQL. MySQL works with many operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, etc. with C, C++, and Java languages. 

MySQL Database Features

• It is free and open-source.
• MySQL is an easy-to-use relational database management system. 
• It follows a client /server architecture.
• It provides excellent performance, high flexibility, and increased productivity.
• It is scalable.
• Incredible security
• It enables transactions to be rolled back, commit, and crash recovery.

Oracle vs. MySQL: Syntax & Use Comparison

 Some of the significant differences in Oracle vs. MySQL’s syntax, as mentioned in Oracle’s documentation, are the following: 

Oracle vs. MySQL: How to Decide

When choosing between MySQL vs. Oracle, it is essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each tool as it relates to your desired business outcomes.

When is Oracle the Better Choice?

Oracle is a ubiquitous choice with the Fortune 100 list of companies and larger enterprises, as it is designed for large business applications and large data warehouses.

Those looking for the most extensive list of features will choose Oracle because it is packed with features and minimizes the need for third-party software.

When is MySQL the Better Choice?

MySQL provides a better choice for projects on a smaller scale. By migrating database-driven applications to MySQL, or using MySQL for new development projects, corporations are realizing cost savings that many times stretch into hundreds of thousands of dollars. For startups and smaller companies, MySQL fits better.

Recommended Read: Which Modern Database Is Right for Your Use Case?

Supercharge Your Data with Xplenty

No matter which database you choose, every business can benefit from integrated data without having to invest in hardware, software, or related personnel. With Xplenty, you will have immediate connectivity to various data stores and a rich set of out-of-the-box data transformation components.

Xplenty is a leading data integration platform to bring all your data sources together with its easy-to-use no-code and low-code integration platform. Learn more about Xplenty's automated data pipelines and low-code integration solutions or contact our team to schedule a demo and take your business to the next level.