Difference Between SQL and MySQL
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Difference Between SQL and MySQL: There are various database management tools available that are used for organizing and storing the data in the system. Both SQL and MySQL are popular terms in database management and it is important to understand the SQL Vs MySQL comparison. The major difference between SQL and MySQL is that SQL can be used for manipulating and retrieving the already stored data and MySQL uses SQL to store or arrange the already stored data in a separate table.
A relational database is used for storing and organizing data in the database in a formulated and structured manner in a defined set of relationships. Whereas RDBMS(relational database management system) is used for running queries on the data stored. Here we will first see what is SQL and MySQL and then we will discuss the difference between SQL and MySQL in detail based on the various factors.
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Difference Between SQL and MySQL
Although MySQL uses SQL to perform its actions, there exist various differences between the two languages. A clear comparison of both languages based on the various factors is shown in the table provided below.
Key Differences Between SQL and MySQL
| SQL | MySQL |
| It is a language used for managing data in relational databases. | It is an RDBMS used for modifying and structuring data in the database. |
| It is a programming language. | It is a relational database management system. |
| Developed by Microsoft. | Developed by MySQL and is now owned by Oracle Corp. |
| The syntax used in this is fixed. | This is a system and hence does not carry any fixed syntax or command. |
| For various operations, only a single storage engine is supported by it. | multiple storage engines are supported by MySQL. |
| Secure as third-party modifications are not allowed. | Less secure as third-party modifications and manipulations are allowed by it. |
| Database and servers work independently. | Database and servers do not work independently. |
| Less time consumption for the given task compared to MySQL. | More time consumption for a particular task. |
| Available in various languages. | Not available in languages other than English. |
| User-defined functions are supported. | User-defined functions are not supported. |
What is SQL?
SQL is also known as Structured Query Language. It is a language used in RDBMS for manipulation and saving the data. Data can be stored, updated, retrieved, accessed, and modified with the help of SQL. It is offered and hosted by Microsoft. It is a 4th generation programming language.
The SQL is pronounced as the sequel. The main use of SQL is to handle the already stored data in the database. Know about the difference between DROP and TRUNCATE in SQL to know more the SQL. The multiple records of the saved data in the database can be retrieved with SQL easily using a single command. The sub-languages in SQL are:
- DQL
- DDL
- DCL
- DML
Some basic clauses used in the SQL are:
- SELECT
- DELETE
- UPDATE
- ALTER TABLE
- FROM
- WHERE
- CREATE TABLE
- CREATE DATABASE
- INSERT INTO
What is MySQL?
MySQL is an open-source RDBMS or relational database management system. This is used widely to store and manage the data stored in the database. The SQL is used by it to perform actions on the items stored in the database. This is used to organize and modify the data only already present in the database.
MySQL is sometimes pronounced as My Sequel. Various top-tier companies prefer MySQL for their database management system such as Google, Yahoo, Facebook, etc.
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