Using MySQL and MariaDB

These flashcards cover the history of MySQL and MariaDB, reasons for the MariaDB fork, key differences from ANSI SQL, and notable MySQL/MariaDB features.

What type of software are MySQL and MariaDB?

They are open-source relational database management systems (RDBMS).

Which content-management system’s widespread use greatly boosted MySQL’s popularity?

WordPress, which relies on MySQL as its database.

Who originally developed MySQL and in what year did development begin?

Michael Widenius and David Axmark began developing MySQL in 1994.

What do the names “My” in MySQL and “Maria” in MariaDB reference?

They are the names of Michael Widenius’s daughters—My (older) and Maria (younger).

In what year was the first official release of MySQL?

1995.

Which web stack highlighted MySQL’s strengths for running websites?

The LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).

Which company bought MySQL AB in 2008, and which company therefore came to own MySQL in 2010?

Sun Microsystems bought MySQL AB in 2008, and Oracle Corporation acquired MySQL when it bought Sun in 2010.

Why was MariaDB created as a fork of MySQL?

Concerns that Oracle’s ownership might compromise MySQL’s open-source nature, licensing, and development direction.

Who founded MariaDB?

Michael “Monty” Widenius, one of MySQL’s original creators.

What guiding philosophy distinguishes MariaDB from Oracle-owned MySQL?

A community-driven, transparent, open-source development process with frequent releases and fast bug fixes.

Which independent organization oversees MariaDB development?

The MariaDB Foundation.

Are MySQL and MariaDB generally syntax-compatible?

Yes; MariaDB is designed as a drop-in replacement for MySQL, so most applications work on either system without changes.

What is ANSI SQL?

A standardized set of SQL syntax and semantics intended to ensure portability across relational databases.

Give two examples of MySQL/MariaDB features that extend beyond ANSI SQL.

Examples include: multiple storage engines, LIMIT and OFFSET with UPDATE/DELETE, full-text search, SHOW and DESCRIBE extensions, non-standard date/time functions, and user-defined variables.

What MySQL-specific option lets you choose different table storage formats?

Support for multiple storage engines (e.g., InnoDB, MyISAM, MEMORY).

What graphical tool does MySQL provide for design, development, and administration that can also connect to MariaDB?

MySQL Workbench.

Which clause combination allowed in MySQL/MariaDB but not in ANSI SQL can limit rows in UPDATE or DELETE statements?

The LIMIT (and optionally OFFSET) clause.

In the statement UPDATE employee SET pay = pay + 1, new_pay = pay; how does MySQL/MariaDB behaviour differ from ANSI SQL?

ANSI SQL stores the original pay value in new_pay (0 becomes 0), but MySQL/MariaDB stores the updated value (0 becomes 1).

Why may SQL code that uses MySQL-specific extensions fail to run on other databases?

Because other DBMS may not implement those proprietary features, reducing portability.

List two broad reasons MySQL and MariaDB remain popular choices for developers.

High performance and scalability, ease of use, active community support, and robust feature sets.