Thread: [webmaster] Sorry to bother you
What is postgresql. How is it different to MYSQL. I don't need a big long history or something. I am just curious why someone would use PSQL as apposed to MS SQL or MySQL Sincerely, Joshua Lewis MAS PC Support 800-225-9056
Josh, > What is postgresql. How is it different to MYSQL. I don't need a big long > history or something. I am just curious why someone would use PSQL as > apposed to MS SQL or MySQL Here's the short answer: PostgreSQL has more features than MS SQL, and many more features than MySQL. PostgreSQL isn't controlled by any one company and carries no license fees. PostgreSQL is available for over a dozen Unix or Unix-like plaforms. PostgreSQL is more stable and reliable than MySQL or MS SQL. PostgreSQL performs much better than MS SQL according to ample anecdotal evidence. If you want more than that, you'll have to take the "long answer". -- -Josh BerkusAglio Database SolutionsSan Francisco
I’ll bite on this one.
vs. mysql:
psql has much stronger support for advanced sql features that promote good database design. This is very important if you want to build a complex database without writing tons of code. If you go with mysql be prepared to write a lot of code to broker the data in and out of your database. If you are into serious database development, IMO steer clear of this database. The hype surrounding this database far outstrips the capability of the database itself.
vs. ms sql:
If you are on the Microsoft platform (and don’t mind paying for this server), this is a tougher choice. There are a lot of good things about this product:
Tight integration with .net
A very respectable feature set, with some nice administration features.
More familiar to those who prefer Microsoft style tools and development.
M$ addressed the need for a light database deployment (think, bundled with app) when the introduced the MSDE, a paired down version of sql server. If you pick this option, you will not have made the wrong choice, even if it’s not the best one.
The big problem with ms sql is vendor lock in: migrating off this platform means scrapping your project and rethinking your development style. Also, if you really know your stuff, Microsoft’s ‘GUI heavy’ administration style is mostly just intrusive and annoying (although, by Microsoft standards, not too bad). I am very conflicted about this database, but around 7.1, the pg team knocked out the few remaining reasons to go with this solution. The lack of a native windows port is an issue (but an easily resolvable one) if you are considering deployment onto end user computers.
If you are at all into performance, you will find postgres to be far and away faster than any other database on the market, except for a small class of operations that have been carefully considered to be on the other side of the speed/reliability tradeoff.
The best answer I can give you is: given the same developer talent, choosing psql will give you a better product in less time, and offers the best flexibility. These practical advantages are offered for free with a very liberal software license.
Merlin
-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Lewis [mailto:jlewis@monauto.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 3:23 PM
To: 'webmaster@postgresql.org'
Subject: [pgsql-advocacy] [webmaster] Sorry to bother you
What is postgresql. How is it different to MYSQL. I don’t need a big long history or something. I am just curious why someone would use PSQL as apposed to MS SQL or MySQL
Sincerely,
Joshua Lewis
MAS PC Support
800-225-9056
On Tue, 29 Jul 2003, Joshua Lewis wrote: > What is postgresql. How is it different to MYSQL. I don't need a big long > history or something. I am just curious why someone would use PSQL as > apposed to MS SQL or MySQL I'll bite too. The big difference between these three databases is the philosophy of the development community behind them. MySQL: Speed is paramount. MSSQL: Ease of use, Sales and vendor lockin are paramount. PgSQL: Reliability and correctness are paramount. MySQL tends to be used mostly for content management. MSSQL tends to be used for intranet applications. Postgresql tends to get used in place or Oracle.