Which Database Can I Choose

phpprogrammer

Dear All,

Plz any one explain what are the considerations to be taken into account while selecting mysql, oracle or sqlserver or postgre sql database servers

ie when I can choose mysql

when I can choose sqlserver

when I can choose oracle

when I can choose postgresql

what are the major differences between these database servers

somany people are facing the same question in the interviews

regards,
bvsureshbabu

superwormy

Usually you're limited by what your hosting provider uses, or what your company already users / is willing to support, so those are your first considerations.

MySQL and PostgreSQL are the ones you usually see for smaller setups, because they're free and most hosts offer at least MySQL.

MS SQL Server is expensive, and tied to the Microsoft platform.

Oracle is even more expensive, but much more of a true database and more feature-rich than any of the others.

If you want major differences, Google for 'database comparisons' or some such. They all use SQL, just it depends on what extend sometimes and the extensions they offer as well. Stored procedures and triggers are a whole 'nother can of worms.

Sxooter

Here's what I use them for:

MySQL: Content management, non-critical data. Good for a few users at a time, it has serious performance issues when loaded with a mixed read/write environment.
MSSQL Server: I would only use it if I had to. Costs a lot, is mediocre at most jobs, and tends to crash under heavy load. Only reason to use it is because of its slightly better integration with MS product.
Oracle: 24/7 enterprise class databases like airline reservations or accounting systems for international companies.
PostgreSQL: Best compromise of performance for price. Completely free, unlike MySQL which is only free if you're writing GPL software. Very solid and reliable, and can handle massive load. Missing a few of the "bells and whistles" that Oracle has, like nested transactions (coming in 7.5) and a few others, it is, none the less, a very REAL database. Hey, it runs the .org and .info domains, and handles >1TB databases for the USGS and other folks.

Sxooter

Oh, and take a look at firebirdSQL, it's got decent performance, is solid and reliable, and has been around a long time as "Interbase" before it was made open source. The development community that's popped up around it in the last couple of years is quite dedicated and capable.

mrxxlphp

Well I prefer PostGreSQL for its speed and reliability although i cant fault MySql either. Just depends on what your comfortable with i suppose.

Most of my clients prefer MySql

Stuart