MariaDB vs. MySQL

The difference between choice and vendor lock-in

MySQL and MariaDB are both open source relational databases with comparable structure and functionality. But because Oracle owns MySQL, many users find themselves on a fast track to vendor-lock in with other proprietary solutions, such as Oracle Cloud and Oracle Heatwave. By contrast, MariaDB prioritizes flexibility and freedom for users. Our open source relational database started as a fork of MySQL and maintains protocol compatibility with MySQL. Our database experts – including the original core MySQL team – bring the best of database technology without vendor lock-in.

Jump ship before MySQL 5.7 reaches EOL in October 2023

On October 31, 2023, MySQL 5.7 will reach End of Life (EOL), meaning it will no longer receive updates or security patches. Current MySQL 5.7 users will need to choose between migrating to MySQL 8.0 or another open source database. Although MySQL remains an open source platform, its 8.0 version has far less vendor neutrality and third-party compatibility than its predecessors.

Fortunately for those still operating with MySQL 5.7, there’s still time to migrate to an alternate solution before October. MariaDB is a natural choice as it maintains compatibility with MySQL protocols, doesn’t require any changes to your application and doesn’t require your teams to learn new skills – making migration a breeze. Our open source database isn’t a pathway to vendor lock-in; it’s flexible, cloud native and can be deployed anywhere – private, public and hybrid cloud.

FAQs

1. Is MySQL 5.7 still supported?

MySQL 5.7 will become EOL in October 2023. As such, users must decide whether to update to MySQL 8.0, which puts users on a path of lock-in with Oracle products such as Oracle Cloud and Oracle Heatwave, or switch to an alternative with more flexibility.

 

2. How do you downgrade MySQL 8 to 5.7?

Users cannot downgrade from MySQL 8 to 5.7. If users aren’t satisfied with MySQL 8, they must switch to another open source database.

 

3. How do I migrate from MySQL to MariaDB?

MariaDB started as a MySQL fork and uses the same wire protocol and SQL dialect, making the migration from MySQL to MariaDB relatively straightforward. MariaDB’s team of data experts offers an easy guide to migration for businesses to follow.

MariaDB vs. MySQL: Migration Guide

Migration Guide for MySQL

Understand the similarities and differences, both small and large, between MariaDB and MySQL – from common features such as standard SQL to unique capabilities such as multi-master replication, transaction replay, temporal tables and Oracle database compatibility. While there are clear advantages for both, review your projects on a case-by-case basis to determine which is right for you.

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How MariaDB carries the torch of open source database innovation

We have deep respect for our MySQL heritage and continue to maintain as much compatibility as possible, including protocol compatibility. However, we don’t let the past determine our future. The MariaDB team is constantly adding new features and capabilities that diverge from Oracle’s MySQL. Our next-generation database continues to carry innovation forward, with tens of millions of users worldwide.

Faster innovation.

MariaDB has a vibrant, active open source community with GNU and GPL licensing. We also publish quarterly GA releases of our community edition.

Default in Linux distributions.

MariaDB Server has replaced MySQL as the default in major Linux distributions including Debian, RHEL, CentOS, openSUSE and Fedora.

The M in LAMP.

MariaDB Server performs many of the same functions as MySQL while constantly innovating on new features. As a result, our database solution is commonly recognized as the “M” in the LAMP stack.

Pluggable storage engines.

Unlike MySQL, MariaDB Server leans in on its extensible architecture, supporting multiple purpose-built storage engines, enabling users to optimize for different workloads and use cases.

Billion+ downloads.

MariaDB Server has been downloaded over one billion times, attesting to our database’s ease of use, adaptability and resilience.

6 ways to do more with MariaDB

MariaDB and MySQL are both general-purpose databases. However, only MariaDB adheres to the open source mission while providing a consistent set of advanced features and functionality. MariaDB can deploy anywhere: on-prem or in any private, public or hybrid cloud. Our flexibility and compatibility mean a quick, easy startup for you and your team.

Oracle Database compatibility

MariaDB is the only open source database compatible with Oracle Database data types, sequences, PL/SQL stored procedures and more, making it possible to “lift and shift” without having to modify database schemas and rewrite store procedures.

High availability and scalability

Maintain continuous availability and hide failures from applications using zero-interruption failover features such as transaction replay. Vertical scale-out through parallel query, read replication and multi-master clustering.

Columnar storage format

MariaDB supports both row and columnar storage. It can be deployed as a data warehouse for interactive, ad hoc analytics or as a hybrid transactional/analytical processing, storing current data in row storage and historical data in columnar.

Federation

MariaDB and MySQL can access tables in other MariaDB/MySQL databases, but only MariaDB can federate heterogeneous databases, including Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server and IBM Db2, to consolidate data access and/or simplify database migration.

Temporal tables

MariaDB is the only open source database to implement system-versioned, application-time period and bitemporal tables, granting developers the ability to query data based on a previous point in time and DBAs to audit and/or recover data after it was changed.

JSON functionality

MariaDB goes beyond the bounds of a typical relational database with its ability to handle JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)-formatted data. This compatibility enables users to combine structured and semi-structured data.

MariaDB vs. MySQL

MySQLMariaDB
MongoDB-compatible APINoYes
Columnar storageNoYes
Temporal tablesNoYes
Oracle database compatibilityNoYes
Non-blocking backupsNoYes
Write-anywhere clusteringYesYes
Transaction replayNoYes
Secure by defaultYesYes

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Resources

White Paper
White Paper
Migration Guide: MySQL to MariaDB
White Paper
Migration Guide: MySQL to MariaDB
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White Paper
White Paper
Guide to Open Source Database Selection: MySQL vs. MariaDB
White Paper
Guide to Open Source Database Selection: MySQL vs. MariaDB
Learn More
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