MySQL and MariaDB are both open-source relational database management systems, using SQL (Structured Query Language) for data access. The main differences between the two stem from their development paths after Oracle acquired MySQL. Here are a few key differences:
1. Ownership: MySQL is owned and maintained by Oracle Corporation, while MariaDB is maintained by the original developers of MySQL, who forked it due to concerns about Oracle’s stewardship.
1. Compatibility: MariaDB is designed to maintain high compatibility with MySQL, meaning that you can switch from MySQL to MariaDB without having to alter your applications in most cases. But as MariaDB develops, the compatibility is not always perfect.
1. Features: MariaDB includes more and newer features than MySQL. For example, MariaDB has a larger number of storage engines than MySQL. Some features in MySQL are only available in their enterprise edition (which is not free), but MariaDB includes these features in their open source version.
1. Development: MariaDB’s development and feature enhancements are more open and vibrant, while MySQL’s happen behind closed doors with Oracle.
1. Performance: MariaDB claims to have better performance than MySQL in some cases. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific workload, and other sources claim equal or better performance for MySQL.
1. Updates & Security: MariaDB tends to run ahead of MySQL in terms of versions release, and therefore, gets updated more frequently.
1. Community: MariaDB has a much more open and vibrant community compared to MySQL.
1. Licensing: MySQL uses a dual licensing model. They offer both GPL and proprietary licenses for its software. MariaDB, however, is entirely GPL.
