MySQL, the most popular Open Source SQL database management system, is developed, distributed, and supported by MySQL AB. MySQL AB is a commercial company, founded by the MySQL developers. It is a second generation Open Source company that unites Open Source values and methodology with a successful business model.
The MySQL Web site (http://www.mysql.com/) provides the latest information about MySQL software and MySQL AB.
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MySQL
is a database management system.
A
database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from a simple
shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of information in a
corporate network. To add, access, and process data stored in a computer
database, you need a database management system such as MySQL Server. Since
computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management
systems play a central role in computing, as standalone utilities or as parts
of other applications.
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MySQL
is a relational database management system.
A relational database stores data in separate
tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed
and flexibility. The SQL part of ``MySQL'' stands for ``Structured Query
Language.'' SQL is the most common standardized language used to access
databases and is defined by the ANSI/ISO SQL Standard. The SQL standard has
been evolving since 1986 and several versions exist. In this manual, ``SQL-92''
refers to the standard released in 1992, ``SQL:1999'' refers to the standard
released in 1999, and ``SQL:2003'' refers to the current version of the
standard. We use the phrase ``the SQL standard'' to mean the current version of
the SQL Standard at any time.
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MySQL
software is Open Source.
Open Source means that it is possible for anyone to use and modify the
software. Anybody can download the MySQL software from the Internet and use it
without paying anything. If you wish, you may study the source code and change
it to suit your needs. The MySQL software uses the GPL (GNU General Public
License), http://www.fsf.org/licenses/,
to define what you may and may not do with the software in different
situations. If you feel uncomfortable with the GPL or need to embed MySQL code
into a commercial application, you can buy a commercially licensed version from
us. See the MySQL Licensing Overview for more information (http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/).
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The
MySQL Database Server is very fast, reliable, and easy to use.
If that
is what you are looking for, you should give it a try. MySQL Server also has a
practical set of features developed in close cooperation with our users. You
can find a performance comparison of MySQL Server with other database managers
on our benchmark page. See Section 7.1.4, “The MySQL
Benchmark Suite”.
MySQL
Server was originally developed to handle large databases much faster than
existing solutions and has been successfully used in highly demanding production
environments for several years. Although under constant development, MySQL
Server today offers a rich and useful set of functions. Its connectivity,
speed, and security make MySQL Server highly suited for accessing databases on
the Internet.
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MySQL
Server works in client/server or embedded systems.
The
MySQL Database Software is a client/server system that consists of a
multi-threaded SQL server that supports different backends, several different
client programs and libraries, administrative tools, and a wide range of
application programming interfaces (APIs).
We also
provide MySQL Server as an embedded multi-threaded library that you can link
into your application to get a smaller, faster, easier-to-manage product.
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A
large amount of contributed MySQL software is available.
It is
very likely that your favorite application or language supports the MySQL
Database Server.
The official way to pronounce ``MySQL'' is
``My Ess Que Ell'' (not ``my sequel''), but we don't mind if you pronounce it
as ``my sequel'' or in some other localized way.
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