MariaDB is an open-source relational database management system created by the original developers of MySQL as a direct replacement for MySQL. It maintains high compatibility with MySQL while providing more storage engines, performance optimizations, and new features.
Key differences include:
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Storage Engines: MariaDB offers more storage engine choices, such as Aria, ColumnStore, Spider, RocksDB, etc., while MySQL primarily uses InnoDB and MyISAM.
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Performance Optimization: MariaDB has improved query optimization, index handling, and caching mechanisms, typically performing better than MySQL on the same hardware.
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Feature Set:
- MariaDB supports window functions (MySQL 8.0+ only)
- Richer JSON functionality support
- Support for Dynamic Columns
- Better replication and clustering capabilities
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Open Source Strategy: MariaDB uses a fully open-source GPL license, while MySQL adopted a dual license after Oracle's acquisition.
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Update Frequency: MariaDB releases new versions more frequently with more innovative features.
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Compatibility: MariaDB versions before 10.x are highly compatible with MySQL 5.x, but later versions gradually diverge.
In practice, choosing between MariaDB and MySQL depends on specific requirements, team technology stack, and preference for open-source strategy.