[CLUE-Tech] PostgreSQL vs MySQL

[Nate Duehr]

On Feb 14, 2004, at 6:13 PM, WFT wrote:

> I am looking for something to learn SQL.
> I have used many non-SQL databases.
> Any recommendations on using
> PostgreSQL vs MySQL   ?

PostgreSQL - better for "true" SQL-92 support.  Does not lock tables 
during record inserts, handles things more like a commercial SQL 
database.  Little bit harder to learn.  More maintenance activities for 
the admin.

MySQL - very fast, but locks entire tables during record updates.  
Great for Web-based read-only systems, doesn't perform as well in large 
data-heavy applications where data is constantly changing.

If you're attempting to learn SQL -- PostgreSQL is probably the better 
option, but you'll have to learn things that are not really SQL-related 
like "vaccum"ing the database, etc.

For generic learning like "INSERT BLAH WHERE BLAH LIKE BLAH" either is 
fine.  Both typically are available as packages for just about any 
Linux distro, making initial installation simpler for you.

Nate Duehr, nate at natetech.com