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PostgreSQL vs. MySQL

The choice between PostgreSQL and MySQL is crucial when selecting an open-source relational database management system.

Both PostgreSQL and MySQL are time-proven solutions that are capable of competing with enterprise solutions alternatives like Oracle Database and SQL Server.

MySQL has been famous for its ease of use and speed, whereas PostgreSQL boasts many advanced features, earning it the reputation of an open-source counterpart to Oracle Database.

The following table compares the features of PostgreSQL 16.x vs. MySQL 8.x:

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL

FeaturePostgreSQLMySQL
Known asPostgreSQL is an open-source project.The world’s most advanced open-source database.
DevelopmentPostgreSQL is an open-source project.MySQL is an open-source product.
Pronunciationpost gress queue ellmy ess queue ell
LicensingMIT-style licenseGNU General Public License
Implementation programming languageCC/C++
GUI toolpgAdminMySQL Workbench
ACIDYesYes
Storage engineSingle storage engineMultiple storage engines e.g., InnoDB and MyISAM
Full-text searchYesYes (Limited)
Drop a temporary tableNo TEMP or TEMPORARY keyword in DROP TABLE statementSupport the TEMP or TEMPORARY keyword in the DROP TABLE statement that allows you to remove the temporary table only.
DROP TABLESupport CASCADE option to drop table’s dependent objects e.g., tables and views.Does not support CASCADE option.
TRUNCATE TABLEPostgreSQL TRUNCATE TABLE supports more features like CASCADE, RESTART IDENTITY, CONTINUE IDENTITY, transaction-safe, etc.MySQL TRUNCATE TABLE does not support CASCADE and transaction safe i.e., once data is deleted, it cannot be rolled back.
Auto increment ColumnSERIALAUTO_INCREMENT
Identity ColumnYesNo
Window functionsYesYes
Data typesSupport SQL-standard types as well as user-defined typesSQL-standard types
Unsigned integerNoYes
Boolean typeYesUse TINYINT(1) internally for Boolean
IP address data typeYesNo
Set a default value for a columnSupport both constant and function callMust be a constant or CURRENT_TIMESTAMP for TIMESTAMP or DATETIME columns
CTEYesYes (Supported CTE since MySQL 8.0)
EXPLAIN outputMore detailedLess detailed
Materialized viewsYesNo
CHECK constraintYesYes (Supported since MySQL 8.0.16, Before that MySQL just ignored the CHECK constraint)
Table inheritanceYesNo
Programming languages for stored proceduresRuby, Perl, Python, TCL, PL/pgSQL, SQL, JavaScript, etc.SQL:2003 syntax for stored procedures
FULL OUTER JOINYesNo
INTERSECTYesYes (INTERSECT in MySQL 8.0.31)
EXCEPTYesYes
Partial indexesYesNo
Bitmap indexesYesNo
Expression indexesYesYes (functional index in MySQL 8.0.13)
Covering indexesYes (since version 9.2)Yes. MySQL supports covering indexes that allow data to be retrieved by scanning the index alone without touching the table data. This is advantageous in the case of large tables with millions of rows.
TriggersSupport triggers that can fire on most types of command, except for ones affecting the database globally e.g., roles and tablespaces.Limited to some commands
PartitioningRANGE, LISTRANGE, LIST, HASH, KEY, and composite partitioning using a combination of RANGE or LIST with HASH or KEY subpartitions
Task SchedulerpgAgentScheduled event
Connection ScalabilityEach new connection is an OS processEach new connection is an OS thread

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