MySQL is an open-source database management system (DBMS) based on the Structured Query Language (SQL). It is used for storing, processing, and managing data in web applications, enterprise systems, and cloud infrastructures. MySQL is part of the Oracle ecosystem and is one of the most popular relational database systems in the world.
Principle of Operation
MySQL stores data in tables that are linked through keys and indexes. Queries to the database are executed using SQL — a standardized language that allows you to:
- create and modify table structures;
- add, update, and delete records;
- retrieve data based on specific conditions.
MySQL supports multithreading and multi-user access, making it suitable for both small projects and large distributed systems.
To improve performance, MySQL uses query caching, data indexing, and read/write optimization.
Applications
MySQL is used in a wide range of areas:
- Web development – for storing website data, users, and content (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, phpBB);
- Enterprise applications – accounting and analytics systems;
- Cloud services – handling large data volumes in distributed environments;
- E-commerce and CRM systems – managing orders, clients, and transactions.
The platform is supported by most programming languages, including PHP, Python, Java, C++, and Go, and easily integrates with web servers such as Apache and Nginx.
Advantages
- open-source and free to use (Community Edition);
- high performance and scalability;
- compatibility with other databases and SQL standards;
- fault tolerance through replication and backups;
- large community and extensive documentation.
Example of Use
An online store can use MySQL to store product, order, and customer information. When a purchase is made, the web application sends an SQL query that retrieves data from the product table and records the order in the transactions table.