What Is MariaDB?

Additional Resources

MariaDB is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that was developed by the original creators of MySQL, led by Michael “Monty” Widenius after concerns arose over the acquisition of MySQL by Oracle Corporation.

In This Article

One of the main goals of MariaDB is to offer additional features and improvements over MySQL. It includes performance optimizations, enhanced scalability, and extended functionality. Some notable features introduced in MariaDB include the Aria and XtraDB storage engines, which offer improved performance and reliability.

MariaDB is designed to include several new features that are not present in MySQL. These include the JSON data type, virtual columns, user-defined functions (UDFs), and a wider range of storage engines to choose from. It is widely used in various applications and has gained significant popularity in the open-source community.

What Are the Pros of MariaDB?

Compatibility

MariaDB is highly compatible with MySQL. Existing MySQL databases and applications can typically be migrated to MariaDB without major modifications.
Performance

MariaDB offers improved query optimizer, thread pool, and parallel replication, resulting in better overall performance and faster query execution.
Scalability

MariaDB supports features like parallel, multi-source, and multi-threaded replication, allowing for efficient data distribution and workload across multiple servers.
Enhanced Features

MariaDB introduces additional features and extensions not in MySQL. These include the JSON data type, virtual columns, user-defined functions (UDFs), and extended spatial indexing and querying support.
Active Community

MariaDB has a vibrant and active community of developers and contributors. The community works to improve and enhance the database, fix bugs, and provide support.
Open Source and Licensing

MariaDB is open source, licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
Security

MariaDB places a strong emphasis on security. It incorporates security patches and updates from MySQL and its security enhancements

What Are the Cons of MariaDB?

Compatibility Limitations

While MariaDB strives for compatibility with MySQL, there may still be some behavior, syntax, or feature differences.
Third-Party Tool Support

Certain third-party tools, software, or frameworks may be specifically designed for MySQL and have limited or no support for MariaDB.
Community Ecosystem

MariaDB may have fewer community-driven extensions for MariaDB than MySQL. However, the gap is narrowing, and the community continues to expand.
Learning Curve

Although MariaDB retains much of the MySQL syntax and functionality, there may still be a learning curve when transitioning from MySQL to MariaDB.
Limited Enterprise Offering

The ecosystem of specialized tools, add-ons, and solutions tailored specifically for MariaDB may be more limited compared to MySQL.
Perception and Adoption

While MariaDB has gained significant popularity and is widely used, MySQL still remains the more widely recognized and adopted database management system.

Software Alternatives to MariaDB?

MySQL

MySQL is the predecessor of MariaDB and remains a widely used and mature open-source relational database management system.

PostgreSQLPostgreSQL, an advanced and feature-rich open-source relational database management system (RDBMS), has emerged as a prominent player in the field of data storage, processing, retrieval, and insertion.

PostgreSQL is a powerful open-source object-relational database management system known for its robustness, reliability, and advanced features.

Oracle Database

Oracle Database is a commercial relational database management system that provides a comprehensive set of enterprise-grade features, scalability, and high availability.

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a commercial database management system developed by Microsoft. It offers a range of editions suitable for different use cases.

MongoDB

MongoDB is a popular open-source NoSQL document database that provides high scalability, flexible data modeling, and horizontal scaling capabilities.

Expert PostgreSQL Database Server Management By Clarkes.Team

Maintaining a database server can be challenging, particularly for those new to server administration or those needing more technical expertise. Thankfully, at Clarkes.Team, we specialize in providing management services for MariaDB database servers. We help clients ensure their servers are secure, optimized for performance, and operating smoothly. Our team of experts offers the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that our clients’ database servers run efficiently, enabling them to concentrate on their most important business goals.

At Clarkes.Team, we specialize in helping businesses monitor thier database servers and applications, managing them, and optimizing their security and performance.

Contact Us For A Consultation

At Clarkes.Team, we boast a team of highly skilled specialists in server management. With extensive knowledge and years of professionalism, we bring a solid foundation of expertise to the table. Our main objective revolves around ensuring the security and fortification of your database server through the implementation of a comprehensive array of best practices.

One of our key aims is to assist you in configuring your server to utilize secure protocols such as SSL, thereby creating a secure and encrypted environment for your users. Working closely alongside you, we establish robust access control policies to prevent unauthorized entry and strengthen your server’s defenses.

By choosing to partner with Clarkes.Team for your database server management requirements, you can enjoy a sense of serenity, knowing that your server is in capable hands.