Overview of Linux databases

Linux, being a favorite among open source programming, releases many different types of applications. All Linux applications are open source and free to have and redistribute. Linux databases are no exception. Two major Linux databases are MySQL and PostgreSQL. In 1994, Hughes Technology released the first ever mSQL (mini SQL) for Linux. This was the answer the open source world was waiting for to Microsoft SQL. The mSQL database lost favoritism over the years and was eventually replaced by MySQL by Sun Microsystems. MySQL is an open source and free database; however the Enterprise Edition can be bought for a price per server. MySQL is used on every continent and is very popular and highly available. MySQL is a comprehensive and complete database solution.

PostgreSQL is reliable, has data integrity, and outstanding correctness. It can be run on all major platforms including Linux, UNIX (AIX, BSD, HP-UX, SGI IRIX, Mac OS X, Solaris, Tru64), and Windows. PostgreSQL includes most data types and has full support for an array of languages. PostgreSQL is feature rich including MVCC), point in time recovery, tablespaces, nested transactions, online/hot backups, and write ahead logging for fault tolerance. This database has an unlimited database size, with 32 TB max per table, 1.6 TB max per row, and 1 GB max field size. There can be anywhere from 250 – 1600 columns in a table and an unlimited number of indexes.

Article written by MyComputerAid.com