Can mySQL handle the load???

[rpieszak]

Okay, so here's the story... (I posted a similar thread in the PHP forum asking about PHP vs. CF)...

I've grown up with SQL Server, and I'm getting tired of paying big monthly fees for hosting. So, I'm thinking about jumping ship to mySQL, but I wanted some expert opinions first.

I know mySQL lacks things like Stored Procedures, User-Defined Functions, Views, Replication, etc.. that SQL Server does have. I'd like these things, but they're not super critical.

My concern is more along the lines of performance and security.
Can mySQL handle a heavy load (meaning, numerous requests and complex queries)???
And how secure is mySQL compared to SQL Server???

Links or personal experience would be great.
Thanks in advance for any info, I really appreciate your help.
Ryan

[RogerRamjet]

Did a google and found some interesting results

sql server vs mysql (http://www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_server_vs_mysql.htm)
mysql or sql server (http://builder.com.com/5100-6388-1054385.html)

No reason to worry about performance or security, application type and price are the real factors to consider when choosing one or the other. Personally I would choose sql server in a client/server environment and mysql for the web. But even there the boundaries are becoming blurred as mysql 5 now has stored procs and triggers.

I must say that I do prefer mysql's dialect of sql to t-sql: simple things like LIMIT vs TOP and the loose GROUP BY syntax of mysql see to that.

[rpieszak]

Hmm, my research must be outdated. I wasn't aware the mySQL now had Stored Procedures and Triggers. I'll do more looking around.

Thanks a bunch for the links, I'll run through them with a fine-tooth comb.

Anybody else with some personal experiences (good or bad) with the performance/security of mySQL?

[ExtraDog]

I'm sure that mySQL can handle the load. It is mySQL's future I'm concerned about.
Oracle has been putting the smack down (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1926600,00.asp) on mySQL by buying up all their partners and trying to buy mySQL as well. :(

They may fight off the Goliath and come out just fine, but this is Larry Ellison we're talking about. :devil:

You may want to take a look at PostgreSQL (http://www.postgresql.org/).
I've not used it myself but I've heard good things about it. It's open source, it runs on all major operating systems, including Linux, UNIX (AIX, BSD, HP-UX, SGI IRIX, Mac OS X, Solaris, Tru64), and Windows. It is fully ACID compliant, has full support for foreign keys, joins, views, triggers, and stored procedures. :verycool:

[rpieszak]

Hey Dog,

I've heard of PostgreSQL, but that's about it. And that's my concern. If it's not well known, what type of community support is there, and how easy is it to find reliable/affordable hosting for it?

(You said you haven't used it, so I'm not really expecting an answer) :)

I'll do some research, thanks for the suggestion!

And now that you mention it, is anybody else worried about the future of mySQL????
This would be a very large downside if there is any negative speculation.

[ExtraDog]

Hey Dog,

I've heard of PostgreSQL, but that's about it. And that's my concern. If it's not well known, what type of community support is there, and how easy is it to find reliable/affordable hosting for it?

(You said you haven't used it, so I'm not really expecting an answer) :)

I'll do some research, thanks for the suggestion!

And now that you mention it, is anybody else worried about the future of mySQL????
This would be a very large downside if there is any negative speculation.

It's like this... Those stored procedures and triggers that mySQL added with v5 are provided by Innodb.
Oracle bought Innodb. :(
mySQL were looking to Sleepycat to help them engineer a replacement for the Innodb functionality....
Oracle bought Sleepycat.. :eek: ouch!

I just work for some deep pockets and nothing gives phb's a warm fuzzy like throwing millions of dollars into Larry and Bill's pockets.

Even though I've not tried it... yet. I would not hesitate to give PostgreSQL a go. PostgreSQL may be more popular that you think, it's just old hat and not generating the buzz that mySQL currently enjoys. A quick google will turn up scores of hosting options and it seems to have a substantial following.

I think that it is more a matter of what you need. mySQL is simple sleek and fast; PostgreSQL is the old feature rich horse. PostgreSQL is overkill for most of the simple database needs out there. But if you're used to MS SQL...

[rpieszak]

Excellent synopsis, thanks for all the information.

I think I'll have a need for both in the near future.

Time to start reading!

[ExtraDog]

Thought I'd pass along this article:
*Enterprise Users Calm as MySQL Community Freaks (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1930356,00.asp)

[ExtraDog]

Finally some good news from the MySQL camp... :D

MySQL Scores the Brains Behind Firebird (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1930778,00.asp)

[rpieszak]

Wow, this is an emotional rollercoaster.
I wish it were a little more cut and dry.
Thanks for the update.