Comparing MySQL vs MS SQL Server [+ Performance, Prices]

Understanding Big Differences Between MySQL and MS SQL Servers

As a programmer or web developer, it’s essential to understand all of the differences between the MySQL vs. MS SQL servers. That way, you can choose the right type of RDMS for each project. 

Commercial vs. Open Source

The main difference between MS SQL and MySQL is that MS SQL is a commercial source database system (proprietary), and MySQL is an open-source database system (non-proprietary). Both systems are widely used among enterprise corporations, although the majority  favor open-source databases. 

MS SQL stands for Microsoft Structured Query Language, meaning that it’s a standard language for accessing and managing your databases. By using MS SQL, you can:

•  Add, retrieve, remove, and access data within a particular database
• Create programs to support your work within each database.It also allows you to create programs to support your work within each database.
  
  

Since MS SQL is a commercial source database system—produced by Microsoft—you will have to purchase the proper licensing to use it.

On the other hand, MySQL is the open-source database version of SQL for which you can also store data in an already existing database. All you have to do is download and install the software, and you can use its customizable codes for free. Both servers are written in C and C++ languages. However, MySQL only supports the English language, while MS SQL can support a variety of languages. 

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Supported Platforms

As a Microsoft product, the MS SQL server was initially created for the Windows operating system only. In 2017, Microsoft opened up its SQL server to support the Linux operating system and Mac OS—but only through Docker. Compared to MySQL, this can be quite limiting.

MySQL can support common platforms, including: 

• Windows
• Linux
• Mac OS/Mac OSX
• Solaris
• FreeBSD

By supporting a variety of operating systems, MySQL offers large enterprises the versatility and options they need to run their database systems. And it enables SMEs to leverage these same database systems for a low cost. If an enterprise decides to change operating systems, MySQL can migrate to a new system without compromising the database or its structure.

MySQL is even used for some of the most popular websites and social media platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Large sites utilize MySQL because the MySQL server allows programmers and web developers to keep the databases that already exist organized, whereas MS SQL does not.

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Supported Program Languages

When it comes to the supported program languages in the MySQL vs. MS SQL comparison, MySQL is once again the more favorable server. It’s important to note, however, that both MySQL and MS SQL support many of the same programming languages, including:

• Java
• Node
• PHP
• C
• C++
• Python
• Ruby
• Visual Basic
• Delphi
• Go
• R

In addition to these program languages, however, MySQL also supports: 

• Perl
• Scheme
• Haskel
• TCL
• Eiffel

Because MySQL supports these additional programming languages, software programmers and web developers typically favor MySQL over MS SQL—even though MS SQL provides software in a variety of spoken languages.

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Storage Engine

The MS SQL server only makes use of a single storage engine developed and provided by Microsoft. By only using a single storage engine, there is limited flexibility and requires multiple upgrades to achieve any possible improved storage flexibility for programmers and developers. 

MySQL can support multiple storage engines, which means that programmers and developers have a choice. They can choose a storage engine based on speed or reliability. They also have the option to use a plug-in storage engine. 

Of course, to make use of multiple storage engines, programmers and developers would have to upgrade from the earlier versions of MySQL, which only supported non-transactional storage engines. Once upgraded, MySQL offers much more flexibility than MS SQL in terms of storage engines, which is another plus.

Since the MS SQL server requires licensing, there is a lack of community support. This means that if programs and developers run into issues, they’ll have to either figure it out on their own or contact the Microsoft Server support. This means when you run into problems,  you won’t likely find an immediate solution. 

With MySQL being an open-source database system, programmers and developers will most likely be able to find a solution to their problems immediately via internet MySQL forums and MySQL communities. This is a great advantage because rather than explain the issue to an automated menu or outsourced customer service representative who is unfamiliar with the technology, you can find answers from real people—who have most likely faced the same problem.

Pricing and Ongoing Costs

Here’s what programmers and developers can get their hands on for free: 

• The Developer and Express editions of MS SQL
• Server and the open-source edition of MySQL

From there, it gets much pricier. For example, the MS SQL Server Standard edition costs about $3,717, and the Enterprise edition costs about $14,256. MySQL sells its Standard edition based on a yearly subscription starting at $2,000. Additionally, its Enterprise edition will run you about $5,000, and its Cluster GCE doubles that at $10,000. Regardless of the technology, price is always a factor to consider as it may be the deciding factor for many programmers, developers, and businesses alike. 

Related Link: NoSQL vs. SQL: Which is Better?

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MySQL vs MS SQL Comparison Table