What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL

The main difference between SQL and MySQL is that the SQL is a database language to manage data in a relational database while MySQL is an Open Source Relational Database Management System that helps to manage relational databases.

A database is a collection of data. There are various types of databases. One common database type is relational databases. SQL which stands for Structured Query Language is the language to perform operations on the data present in relational databases. On the contrary, MySQL is a relational database management system. It is a software program that helps to manage relational databases. The user can issue SQL commands on MySQL and manage data in the databases. In other words, SQL provides instructions or commands to MySQL. These commands allow the user to store and access data in relational databases.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is SQL
     – Definition, Types
2. What is MySQL
     – Definition, Usage
3. Relationship Between SQL and MySQL
     – Outline of Association
4. Difference Between SQL and MySQL
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

SQL, MySQL, Database, Relational Databases

What is SQL

Organizations store data using databases. Relational databases store data in tables, and these tables are related to each other. These databases are called relational databases. The Structured Query Language (SQL) is the language that helps to perform storing, managing and retrieving the data in a relational database. The basis for SQL language is the relational algebra.

There are three types in SQL: Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulating Language (DML) and Data Control Language (DCL). create, alter, drop are DDL commands. ‘create’ helps to build new databases and tables. ‘alter’ helps to modify tables. ‘drop’ command helps to delete databases and tables.

Commands such as select, insert, update and delete are DML commands. ‘select’ command helps to retrieve a set of records. ‘insert’ helps to enter new records. Moreover, ‘update’ command modifies a record and ‘delete’ command delete a record.

Furthermore, grant and revoke are DCL commands. ‘grant’ command allows giving a privilege to a user while ‘revoke’ command allows to take back the privilege granted to the user.

What is MySQL

As mentioned previously, a database is a collection of data. There are various types of data, and relational databases are one of them. These databases consist of tables that store all data. A table has rows and columns. The rows represent each record while the columns represent the attributes. For example, the Student database can have attributes such as ID, name, age, class, mark1, mark2 etc. Each row represents a set of details of a particular student. The tables in the databases are related to each other. Therefore, these databases are called relational databases.

Figure 1: Rows and Columns of a Table in a Relational Database

A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a software that helps to create manipulate and administrate data in a relational database. There are various RDBMS and MySQL is one of them. The user can issue SQL queries on MySQL to manage data in the database.

MySQL provides several advantages. It helps to make data secure and to maintain data integrity. Furthermore, it allows users to make database backups. MySQL also provides ACID properties which are atomicity, consistency, isolation and durability to make efficient business transactions. In brief, MySQL is a popular RDBMS for back-end development, and it is frequently used with PHP for web development.

Relationship Between SQL and MySQL

• SQL is the standard database language for MySQL.

What is the Difference Between SQL and MySQL

Definition

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the database language for storing, manipulating and retrieving data in a relational database. MySQL is an open source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that allows managing relational databases.

Type

The SQL is a database language while MySQL is a software.

Functionality

The SQL helps to manage the data in the relational databases. On the other hand, MySQL helps to manage relational databases using SQL.

Updating

SQL is a language. Therefore, it does not change. As MySQL is a software. Therefore, it updates frequently.

Conclusion

The difference between SQL and MySQL is that the SQL is a database language to manage data in a relational database while the MySQL is an Open Source Relational Database Management System that helps to manage relational databases. In brief, the SQL is the standard database language for MySQL. Some examples for other common RDBMS are MSSQL, Oracle and DB2.

Reference:

1. “SQL Overview.” Tutorials Point, 8 Jan. 2018, Available here.
2. “What Is RDBMS (Relational Database Management System)? – Definition from WhatIs.com.” SearchDataManagement, TechTarget, Available here.
3. “MySQL.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Relational database terms” By User:Booyabazooka – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia