PostgreSQL Vs MySQL: Major Differences and Similarities

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which is better for your project? Choosing between these two open-source databases depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritise performance, scalability, or cloud compatibility.

In this database comparison, we’ll explore how PostgreSQL and MySQL differ and help you decide which is the right fit. Both frameworks are widely used to store, manage, and process data, but they have fundamental differences that make each suitable for different scenarios.

Table of Contents

• What Is PostgreSQL?
• What Is MySQL?
• PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: What Are the Differences?
• Similarities Between PostgreSQL and MySQL
• Features of PostgreSQL and MySQL
• When to Use PostgreSQL and MySQL
• How to Choose Between PostgreSQL and MySQL
• Conclusion

What Is PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database system (ORDBMS) known for its advanced data types and robust features. The basic form of the database management system is considered a relational database management system (RDBMS). It stores the data in the form of tables, ensuring that the content can be mapped relation-wise.

If you add object-oriented features to RDBMS, the database mechanism becomes an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). This kind of database is very helpful in applications that have complex objects associated with them. Many big organisations, such as Netflix, Uber, Twitch, Spotify, etc., use PostgreSQL for relational data management.

Below are some key defining PostgreSQL features:

• PostgreSQL offers free service solutions to everyone as it is open-source software. You can use its source code for free.
  
• PostgreSQL provides unconditional support for both SQL and NoSQL-based databases, which means it provides extendability to them.
  
• Unlike traditional SQL and NoSQL-based databases, PostgreSQL provides additional benefits to its users, and concepts like table inheritance and function overloading are also present.
  
• PostgreSQL supports advanced data types, multi-version concurrency control (MVCC), logical replication, and declarative table partitioning for better scalability and flexibility.
  
• The PostGIS extension in PostgreSQL enables support for geospatial data, making it ideal for GIS applications.
  
• The working principle of PostgreSQL is almost similar to that of other types of contemporary databases. However, the architecture of PostgreSQL is more powerful.
  
• Various components of PostgreSQL are developed as a combination of multiple procedural languages, like Java, Python, Perl, etc. However, initial development is done in the C programming language.

The most recent version updates of PostgreSQL continue to improve its performance, add support for more advanced features, and enhance its ORDBMS capabilities.

What Is MySQL?

MySQL is the second-largest database software used by software developers worldwide. It is an open-source SQL-based relational database management system (RDBMS) that stores data in one or more tables. This application database focuses on robustness, stability, and maturity.

The MySQL database is developed, distributed, maintained, and supported by Oracle. MySQL is used by many high-level organisations, such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, and others, due to its speed and cost-effectiveness. It also powers popular database-driven programs like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, among others.

MySQL was originally developed in 1995 and continues to receive frequent updates, with an active and large open-source community contributing to its growth. Below are some of the key defining MySQL features:

• MySQL is freely available as open-source software, and you can customise it as per your requirements.
  
• MySQL promises to equip you with a scalable, flexible, and easily accessible database.
  
• The core components of MySQL are written in C and C++.
  
• MySQL works on a simple client-server architecture in which the end users are known as clients. The end users send requests through a server to access the resources, and a request-response cycle is generated.
  
• MySQL offers a variety of storage engines, with InnoDB being the default and most widely used due to its ACID compliance and support for transactions.
  
• MySQL’s InnoDB Cluster enhances high availability and reliability for enterprise applications.
  
• The X DevAPI in MySQL enables flexible development with support for both relational and document store models.

If you want to learn tools like PostgreSQL or MySQL, it is preferable to master the SQL programming language first, since all the frameworks are developed from the ground up by keeping SQL as a point of reference. Here’s a Free SQL Course that will help you master the fundamentals of SQL to further master frameworks like PostgreSQL and MySQL.

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: What Are the Differences?

The information we discussed above regarding PostgreSQL vs MySQL is summarized below for easy understanding. This performance comparison highlights their strengths, scalability, and use cases:

These are the key differences between PostgreSQL and MySQL, providing a clear scalability and performance comparison to help you choose the right database.

Want to learn the difference between two other database schemas, such as SQL and NoSQL? Read our comprehensive guide on SQL vs NoSQL.

Similarities Between PostgreSQL and MySQL

Both PostgreSQL and MySQL are commonly used relational database management systems (RDBMS) that share many common features. They both follow the relational model, are open-source, SQL-compliant, ACID-compliant, and offer cross-platform compatibility across Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Both databases also have strong community support and use standard SQL syntax, making it easy for developers to adopt and work with them. For example, both PostgreSQL and MySQL are supported on popular cloud services like AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, and Azure, allowing you to deploy them easily in cloud environments with high availability.

Despite these common features, there are several distinctions between PostgreSQL and MySQL, which allow customers to select the database that best meets their project requirements.

Features of PostgreSQL and MySQL

While PostgreSQL offers exceptional features, it has still not completely outshone its competitors, specifically MySQL. This is because many of the core features of both databases are quite similar, making the choice between them highly project-dependent.

Below, you can find the points where PostgreSQL is preferred, along with the reasons why MySQL remains very popular among developers:

• Architecture & Reliability: PostgreSQL is built on a very strong and extensible architecture that offers a fault-tolerant system, making it one of the most robust database solutions. In comparison, MySQL has a simpler architecture, which makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot, especially for smaller or web-based applications.
  
• Performance & Scalability: PostgreSQL is fast, highly secure, and provides excellent scalability for complex queries and large datasets. MySQL also offers a very scalable system, with better performance optimisation for simpler, read-heavy workloads like websites and content management systems.
  
• Documentation & Community Support: MySQL is well documented, well maintained, and supported by an active, rich community, making it approachable for beginners and professionals alike. PostgreSQL also enjoys strong community support and active development, but MySQL’s longevity and widespread adoption give it an edge in this area.
  
• Data Structure & Accessibility: PostgreSQL supports advanced data types, table inheritance, and JSON, making it flexible for modern applications. MySQL, on the other hand, stores data in a straightforward tabular format of rows and columns, where every record is indexed for high accessibility.
  
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Both PostgreSQL and MySQL are highly compatible with all major operating systems. MySQL’s software solutions are versatile and agile, supported by almost every OS and customizable to meet various needs.
  
• Integration & Flexibility: PostgreSQL provides better integration with emerging technologies, thanks to features like PostGIS, full-text search, and user-defined types. MySQL supports a wide array of programming languages and frameworks, which simplifies integration with other services and tools.
  
• Development History & Updates: MySQL has had one of the longest continuous development cycles among open-source databases, ensuring stability and ongoing innovation. PostgreSQL also continues to evolve with frequent version updates, adding more advanced capabilities.

Both databases have their unique strengths. PostgreSQL shines in handling complex, data-intensive projects that demand advanced features and flexibility, while MySQL remains a top choice for web-based, high-speed, and cost-effective solutions due to its simplicity, agility, and strong community support.

When to Use PostgreSQL and MySQL

Both PostgreSQL and MySQL shine in their respective use cases, like PostgreSQL for complex, data-intensive, and cloud-ready solutions, and MySQL for lightweight, high-speed, and web-focused applications.

Use Cases for PostgreSQL

Below are some of the cases where PostgreSQL is preferred:

• PostgreSQL can be the ideal choice for performing complex queries and read-write operations while working with data that needs to be validated and transformed.
  
• PostgreSQL does not limit the size of your database. So if you need to maintain a large database with massive datasets, PostgreSQL can be the best choice.
  
• PostgreSQL is a popular choice for NoSQL functionality because it supports a wide range of data types, including JSON, hstore, and XML.
  
• Industries such as finance and geographic information systems (GIS) often rely on PostgreSQL because of its data integrity, advanced data types, and support for spatial data through the PostGIS extension.
  
• PostgreSQL is also well-suited for cloud deployments, with strong support on platforms like AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, and Azure Database for PostgreSQL, making it ideal for scalable and distributed applications.

Use Cases for MySQL

Below are some of the conditions where MySQL would be preferred over other database management systems:

• When it comes to storage engine flexibility, MySQL is a strong choice because it supports multiple engines like InnoDB (which ensures transactions and data integrity) and MyISAM (which is lightweight and provides fast read performance for read-heavy workloads).
  
• MySQL’s lightweight nature and simplicity make it ideal for web applications, especially those with high read volumes and less complex data needs.
  
• It powers some of the most widely used content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, making it a go-to choice for blogs, corporate websites, and e-commerce platforms.
  
• MySQL is also favoured for projects requiring quick deployment, cost-effectiveness, and robust support from a large community.

How to Choose Between PostgreSQL and MySQL

Choosing between PostgreSQL and MySQL completely depends on the application requirements of an individual or an organisation. Below are some of the points that can help you choose between them.

If you require a feature-rich database that can handle complex queries and large datasets, choosing PostgreSQL over SQL can be the best choice because of its scalability.

If you require a simpler database that is simple to install and operate, as well as fast, dependable, and easily understood, MySQL can be a great choice.

In terms of learning, MySQL can be a good choice over PostgreSQL because of its larger community, which makes it easier to find resources and support.

Decision-Making Checklist

Here are some additional considerations, similar to what GeeksforGeeks suggests, to help you decide based on your budget, team skill set, and application requirements:

• Do you have experienced developers who can manage advanced ORDBMS features? → PostgreSQL
  
• Do you prefer a larger community and easier-to-find documentation for beginners? → MySQL
  
• Is your budget limited, and do you want faster deployment with fewer complexities? → MySQL
  
• Do you expect to handle very large datasets and need better scalability and flexibility? → PostgreSQL
  
• Do you want a database for simple, read-heavy web applications like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal? → MySQL
  
• Do you need support for advanced data types, GIS, and analytics? → PostgreSQL

By aligning these points with your project’s application requirements, available budget, and the skill set of your team, you can make an informed choice between PostgreSQL and MySQL.

Conclusion

The choice between PostgreSQL and MySQL comes down to your application requirements, team expertise, and budget. If your project involves complex queries, large datasets, or cloud-based deployment, and you need advanced features and flexibility, then PostgreSQL is the better option.

For simpler, fast, and easy-to-manage databases suited for web applications, CMS platforms, and read-heavy workloads, MySQL is a great choice. Assess your needs for performance, scalability, and ease of use to decide which database fits your goals best; both are robust, open-source solutions trusted by developers worldwide.

PostgreSQL Vs MySQL: Major Differences and Similarities – FAQs