PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: Which Open Source Database Is Best for Your Company?

Distinguishing PostgreSQL and MySQL

Irrespective of the scale, sector or customer base of a company, a robust and trustworthy data management infrastructure is crucial for achieving success. Establishing a framework for gathering, storing and analysing data can benefit organisations across all sectors, helping them make informed decisions based on the available information at hand. In addition, as data requirements may vary greatly depending on the size, industry, and customer base of an organisation, it is important to ensure that the infrastructure is tailored to accommodate these specific needs.

Careful selection of a Database Management System (DBMS) can offer improved regulation over your data workflow, which makes it an imperative aspect to consider while making decisions that impact diverse areas of your business. Choosing the appropriate DBMS enables effective management of data, providing you with the ability to make better informed decisions that can positively influence your operations.

Amidst the intensely competitive business environment of today, open-source database management systems (DBMS) provide a practical and economical substitute to conventional proprietary systems. Implementation of open-source DBMS can potentially streamline the storage and access of data while enabling flexibility in modifying data flow to cater to specific organisational requirements.

This article offers a comprehensive comparison of PostgreSQL versus MySQL, aiding in the selection of the most suitable DBMS for your organisation.

1. Application of PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

   PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) that operates at an enterprise-level, acclaimed for its copious variety of feature-laden tools. It is an ideal choice for large corporations requiring optimal performance and dependability. In contrast, MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) primarily designed for fundamental operations.
   
   • If your organisation requires basic capabilities for On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) or On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP), MySQL would be a suitable alternative. MySQL offers a simplistic, single-threaded approach for data storage, which is specifically suited for read-intensive tasks with read-only memory access. Nevertheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that MySQL might not be an optimal selection for extensive concurrent read/write operations, as this could potentially impact its performance adversely.
   • If your organisation necessitates the management and retrieval of multiple databases contemporaneously, PostgreSQL is the ideal preference. As an object-relational database management system (ORDBMS), PostgreSQL is tailored for intricate data management. It provides a robust framework for executing complex Online Application Processing (OLAP) and Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) operations.

2. Comparison of performance between PostgreSQL and MySQL:

   It is discernible that PostgreSQL outperforms MySQL regarding performance. Furthermore, PostgreSQL provides better performance when faced with intricate SQL queries. However, such a functionality necessitates the implementation of the necessary setup work for users to exploit PostgreSQL’s abilities entirely and attain optimal performance.
   
   • If you require a database management system (DBMS) with one thread per connection, MySQL is a fantastic alternative. It is well-suited for simpler-scale applications and initiatives that entail a database for sequential data processing. When seeking fundamental data-flow for your business, engaging MySQL engineers to develop them is the best course of action.
   • If there is a possibility of data compromise due to synchronous data processing, PostgreSQL is the favourable option. For each new connection, PostgreSQL provides about 10 MB of RAM, generates a new operating system process, and proves to be an optimal alternative for larger-scale applications that have higher data warehousing needs. Nevertheless, it mandates meticulous optimisation for read/write operations.

3. Development using PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

   Setting up a PostgreSQL system is a more intricate task than establishing a MySQL-based DBMS. Moreover, finding skilled engineers proficient in PostgreSQL is challenging.
   On the other hand, MySQL is more prevalent and has a less steep learning curve. Due to its simplicity, MySQL has a more extensive development community.
   
   • If you possess the financial means to engage multiple professional database administrators, PostgreSQL is the perfect solution. Utilising PostgreSQL and its functionality can lead to substantial advantages for processing complex data structures and queries. Consequently, it is highly advisable to hire experienced PostgreSQL developers for optimal performance, especially if such query processing carries significant importance.
   • If your project necessitates fundamental functionality, MySQL is a splendid option. Given its ease of use and extensive popularity, it is considerably effortless to find experienced developers with knowledge of MySQL. If you prefer to conserve financial and temporal resources in terms of training and onboarding database management system designers, recruiting MySQL developers is the optimal approach.

4. Syntax of PostgreSQL vs MySQL:

   Each database offers differing levels of support for distinct data types and programming languages. MySQL has certain limitations regarding the range of data types it is equipped to handle, whereas PostgreSQL offers a substantially wider range of commands and functionalities.
   
   • At present, MySQL, a relational database management system, only provides limited support for JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). This system solely supports typical Structured Query Language (SQL) data types.
   • PostgreSQL, an object-relational database management system (DBMS), offers support for a diverse range of data formats such as JSON, XML, and custom user-defined data types. Additionally, the DBMS can process various data types, including Boolean values, IP addresses, arrays, and temporal types like time, date, timestamps, and intervals. The system includes a distinct ‘hstore’ data type that enables personalised data storage and retrieval.
     
     Using Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) data types in your processes can be advantageous. UUIDs generate unique identification numbers within a system, distinguishing them from conventional ‘serial’ data types. PostgreSQL offers support for all these data types, providing enhanced flexibility.
     PostgreSQL is compatible with CASCADE, an open-source relational database management system. Users can devise partial indexes and nonblocking indexes. Moreover, Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC) can be executed without read-locks, a feature unsupported by MySQL. PostgreSQL allows multiple CPUs or cores to perform simultaneous query operations.

5. Materialised points of view:

   Materialised views are a useful function of PostgreSQL that enables organisations to access data that has been generated without storing it on their servers first. PostgreSQL offers the capability to store a query result in a virtual table, allowing organisations to view and modify the data regularly, providing a convenient data access tool. Unfortunately, this feature is absent in MySQL, making PostgreSQL the ideal solution for organisations to acquire data before it is kept on their servers.

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which is faster?

In circumstances where database managers must contend with complicated data: PostgreSQL emerges as a faster DBMS.

1. Different data types
2. Large data sets
3. Complex SQL queries
4. Simultaneous read-write operations
5. Access to multiple databases

In cases where administrators need to integrate, MySQL emerges as the faster DBMS:

1. Read-only operations
2. Less complex code with fewer lines
3. A smaller team of developers
4. Linear data flow

PostgreSQL vs MySQL: Which database is better?

Give careful consideration to the comparison between MySQL and PostgreSQL to make the best choice for your company.

When selecting an open-source Database Management System (DBMS) for your organization, you need to evaluate your specific requirements. Aspects such as the size and nature of your business, patterns of data transfer, and the skill set of your software development team should all be taken into account while making this decision. Additionally, the project scope, complexity, and budget, as well as the data processing speed, should also be considered. Ultimately, the DBMS you select should be the one that matches the needs of your organization best.

It is worth noting that the implementation of any of these proposed solutions would necessitate the hiring of highly skilled software developers. PostgreSQL is a complex platform with unique features and syntax, and therefore, demands a talented development team. The job of these developers is to maintain a balance between the performance and data density of PostgreSQL.

To execute MySQL projects effectively, it is crucial to assemble a team of experienced and proficient MySQL developers. As MySQL is a core DBMS, having experienced developers is vital for implementing complex and intricate functions into MySQL databases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that any team member possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to complete the required tasks.

At Works, our seasoned recruiters can help you pinpoint and recruit the most skilled software engineers in the industry – those with a proven track record of implementing intricate database management systems. To learn more about our recruitment services, please visit our Hiring website.