Re: Comparing databases - Mailing list pgsql-advocacy
From | Paul Ganainm |
---|---|
Subject | Re: Comparing databases |
Date | |
Msg-id | MPG.1a29aa071d9a970c98969f@news.gmane.org Whole thread Raw |
In response to | Comparing databases (Jussi Mikkola <jussi.mikkola@bonware.com>) |
Responses |
Re: Comparing databases
Re: Comparing databases |
List | pgsql-advocacy |
xzilla@users.sourceforge.net says... Hi all, I am very familiar with Interbase and Firebird. I have recently started looking at PostgreSQL, and I am currently reading extensively about it. I don't wish to start a flame war or anything, but some of the claims in this post are just downright wrong - it's a bit like PostgreSQLers giving out about M$ or Oracle or <insert vendor of choice> making false claims about Open Source software. Interbase/Firebird is probably (at least as far as I can see) the closest to PostgreSQL in terms of other available databases, and while I have no objection whatsoever to anybody pointing out the benefits of PostgreSQL, I really feel that it shouldn't be done by telling mistruths. > PostgreSQL 7.4 Pros: > -- Extensible Architecture: create your own types, aggregates, > functions, operators, libraries. > 73-> now allows ploymorphic functions > vs-> oracle, db2, m$, mysql, firebird Firebird offers functions and libraries and the ability to create your own types. > -- 100% Open Source Community Controlled: contributions are not > controlled by any single company, so your suggestions and patches are as > good as anyone's. > 73-> two additional companies now sponsoring core members > vs-> oracle, db2, m$, mysql, firebird Firebird is fully Open Source. No flame wars about the particular licence please. MySQL is also Open Source - you may not like the fact that you have to pay for it if you use it in commercial apps, but it is Open Source. > -- Many support options: you have a choice of numerous support vendors > rather than being confined to one company. > 73-> n/a > vs-> oracle, db2, m$, mysql, firebird There are a few (perhaps not as many as several) vendors who support Firebird. > -- BSD-licensed: may be used for commercial applications without fees. > 73-> n/a > vs-> oracle, db2, m$, mysql, firebird Oh dear - you most certainly *_can_* use Firebird for free in commerical apps. > -- Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC) ensures transaction > integrity, better scalability > 73-> n/a > vs-> m$, mysql It's a bit unfair to point at M$ here - locking and versioning each have their pros and cons. > -- Database Programming: Support for functions and procedures in 11 or > more programming languages. Support for triggers, constraints, and > Rules-based query rewriting. > 73-> new pl lang (plr) > vs-> db2, m$, mysql, firebird In Firebird IIRC, you can write dll's or so's in any language you like, and use these as user defined functions. > -- Responsive Community: Mailing lists offer peer-to-peer assistance > from major PostgreSQL contributors and advanced DBAs, often described as > "better than commercial support." > 73-> n/a > vs-> oracle, db2, firebird Here I really *_really_* have to object. The Firebird community has an excellent Community spirit, where those who contribute to the engine also help out end users. > -- Scalability: the MVCC system and other parts of our architecture > make PostgreSQL scale very well across hundreds of concurrent read/write > users. > 73-> n/a > vs-> m$, mysql, firebird Firebird has the exact same architecture - they call it MGA or Multi- Generational-Architecture, which is identical to MVCC in principal. > -- Durability: The PostgreSQL project is 16 years old, with years more > experience than most comparable databases, commercial or OSS. PostgreSQL > has already survived the death of several supporting companies and will > be around for a long time to come. > 73-> n/a > vs-> mysql, firebird Again, this is misleading to say the least. Firebird is a fork of Borland's Interbase, which dates from 1981, so Firebird already has the keys to the house (21) whereas PostgreSQL has yet to have its first legal drink (18). > Robert Treat -- plinehan x__AT__x yahoo x__DOT__x com C++ Builder 5 SP1, Interbase 6.0.1.6 IBX 5.04 W2K Pro Please do not top-post.
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