Mastering MySQL with MarsDevs

Have you ever wondered what happens to the data that a website collects? When the front end of a website takes data, it requires a location to store it. Enters database. 

You can use a relational database because different data types can relate to or interact. MySQL is a relational database, and SQL is the language that allows you to access, update, and modify data in MySQL. It is a robust and extensively used open-source relational database management system that is the foundation for several applications and websites. 

Seyed Tahaghoghi mentioned in his book, “Whether you’re offering products on a site, conducting a certain survey/providing useful data to your classroom, bike club or religious firm, MySQL get it done & lets you scale up your services on-time.”  

Hence, MySQL is necessary for both aspiring and experienced database developers. Let’s dove deeper into it.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is the globe's most popular open-source database. But what is a database?

Databases are the primary data storage location for all software applications. When someone creates a web search, logs into an account, or makes a transaction - The database saves the information to retrieve it later.

A relational database stores data in distinct tables rather than in a large storehouse. The database structure is divided into physical files optimized for speed. The logical data model provides A diverse programming environment containing objects like data tables, views, rows, and columns. 

DB-Engines states MySQL is the second most used database, trailing only Oracle. Many famous apps use MySQL, including Uber, Facebook, Airbnb, Twitter & Booking.com. Because MySQL is open source, it provides many features developed in close collaboration with users over 25 years. As a result, MySQL Database is likely to support your chosen application or programming language.

MySQL was first made available in 1995. Since then, it has undergone several ownership/ stewardship changes before ending up at the Oracle Corporation in 2010. Yet, MySQL remains open-source.

A Breakdown of MySQL Parts

Like various relational database management systems (RDBMS), each MySQL is segregated into tiers based on pairs. Each tier becomes increasingly detailed, allowing developers to fine-tune the accessibility of each subset throughout the remainder of the program. Let’s take a look. 

MySQL Server Layer

The MySQL server is at the heart of MySQL. The server is a standalone library that can be integrated into your programs to handle database commands. In some manner, every part of MySQL software interacts with the MySQL server.

Database

It is our biggest tier, serving as a container for all the tiers underneath it & an organized data set required for MySQL to work. Multiple databases can exist in the same application, allowing developers to integrate vastly different subsets of tables within the same software.

Tables

Tables are the storage destinations for linked data subsets in our second biggest tier. A single database can have several tables, with one table for each user-defined category. Queries must identify the table in which they are operating to avoid unintentional crossover or extended runtime. 

Columns

Columns further deconstruct tables since each specified column provides a data type that all values in that column must be. Each column in a table might be a distinct data type, and the data is further subdivided into contextual subsets.

Row

Rows are the smallest tier and behave similarly to columns; however, unlike columns, which reveal a connection within a type, rows are organized in less obvious ways. A unique key identifies each row in a table.

Query

A query in MySQL is any command that fetches data from a table. It is most typically accomplished with the SELECT command, the most commonly used command for table processing.

Why MySQL?

Now that we know the basics let’s understand why you should learn MySQL. As Sufyan bin Uzayr writes, “To resolve our issues with massive data, MySQL outthrows the rest as it can manage data pools of various sizes.”

But what makes it the best?

• MySQL is open source - Anyone can access MySQL software without paying for it by downloading it from the internet. You can also alter the source code to suit your needs. 
• It’s the #1 choice for developers - According to Stack Overflow and JetBrains polls, MySQL is the most popular database for developers. Developers adore its great performance, dependability, and simplicity of use.
• Supports popular languages - MySQL supports the common development languages and drivers such as PHP, Python, Java/JDBC, Node.js, Perl, Ruby, Go, Rust, C, C++, C#/.NET, and ODBC. MySQL is the "M" in the known open-source LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python) web app development stack.‍
• Works in client/server or embedded systems - MySQL Database is a client/server system with a multithreaded SQL server supporting several back ends, numerous client libraries, administrative tools & a diverse set of application-programming interfaces (APIs).

The "SQL" in "MySQL" refers to "Structured Query Language." SQL is the most widely used standardized language for accessing databases. Based on your programming space, you can transfer SQL directly (to produce reports), embed SQL inputs in different language codes, or use a language-based API that hides the SQL syntax.

SQL vs. MySQL

So far, we have learned that both SQL and MySQL are relational database programming and management languages. 

But how do they differ? MySQL is an open-source database incorporating the SQL standard, whereas SQL is a programming language used to communicate with data in relational databases. SQL is basic for many RBMS, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server & IBM DB2.

MySQL is a database management system used in online apps and is available for Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Solaris. MySQL comes with many web hosting services as well. It means SQL is a common programming language that allows users to create and manage databases.

On the other hand, MySQL is a relational database management system that allows users to store and retrieve data from databases. MySQL and SQL both provide two trendy yet separate servers for database management: MySQL server and SQL Server.

MySQL Benefits

MySQL is fast, reliable, scalable, and simple to use. It was initially designed to handle huge datasets fast and has long been utilized in high-stress production situations.

Although MySQL is always evolving, it provides a comprehensive and useful collection of functions. MySQL's connectivity, performance, and security make it ideal for connecting to databases via the internet. Vikram Vaswani writes, “MySQL fits the bill for various reasons.” Among the many advantages of MySQL are:

• Ease of use: Developers can install MySQL in mins & the database is simple to maintain.

• Reliability: MySQL is one of the most established and extensively used databases. Because of its reliability, many organizations rely on MySQL to handle mission-critical applications.

• Scalability: MySQL drives to meet the commonly used app needs. Because of MySQL's inbuilt replication design, firms like Fb can expand systems to handle billions of users.

• High availability: MySQL provides a comprehensive set of native, fully integrated replication mechanisms for high availability and disaster recovery. 

• Security: Security features include authentication/authorization, transparent data encryption, data masking, and a database firewall in MySQL Enterprise Edition.

‍Flexibility: The MySQL Document Store gives users the greatest freedom when designing standard SQL and NoSQL schema-free database applications. Developers can pair relational data and JSON documents in the same database and application.

Getting Started with MySQL

To begin using MySQL, download and install it on your computer. MySQL is available for free download from the MySQL website. Once done, you must build a database to store your data.

#Creating a Database

For setting up a database in MySQL, execute the following command:

CREATE DATABASE database_name;

Replace "database_name" with the database title you like to build. After you've built a database, you can begin adding tables and saving data.

#Building tables

Tables are used in databases to hold information. You can execute the following MySQL command to create a table:

CREATE TABLE table_name(
    column1 datatype, 
    column2 datatype,
    column3 datatype,
    ....
);

Replace "table_name" with the name of the table you wish to build, and "column1", "column2", and so on with the names of the columns you want in the table. For each column, you must additionally define the data type.

#Storing and Retrieving Data

The following command can be used to store data in a MySQL database:

INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3, ...) VALUES (value1, value2, value3, ...);

Replace "table_name" with the name of the table into which you want to enter data, and "column1", "column2", and so on with the names of the columns into which you want to insert data. 

If you want to retrieve data, you’ll have to use the following command.

SELECT column1, column2, column3, ... FROM table_name WHERE condition;

Replace "column1", "column2," & so on with the names of the columns to get data & "table_name" with the name of the table to retrieve data.

MySQL use cases

We’re fairly introduced to MySQL. Now let’s go over some of the use cases of the same. 

• Building cloud applications: MySQL is widely used in the cloud. MySQL HeatWave is a fully managed cloud database service driven by the HeatWave in-memory query accelerator. 
• Flourishing ecommerce: MySQL powers several major ecommerce apps, including Shopify, Uber, and Booking.com. It's a popular option for handling user profiles, passwords, user content, financial data such as payments, and fraud detection.
• Powering social platforms: MySQL is used by several of the world's top social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• SaaS & ISVs: Many ISVs, OEMs, and VARs use MySQL as their embedded database to make their solutions more competitive, get them to market faster, and cut their cost of goods sold. 
• Storing data like blog articles: WordPress requires a database and database management tools. It is where MySQL comes into play- helping create, save, and retrieve blogs.

Tips & Strategies for Learning MySQL

In learning MySQL, you must understand databases, RDBMS, and SQL. But where do you start?

Here are some quick tips to power your MySQL journey. 

• Lookup online resources - Finding a credible source of knowledge, whether it's blogs, videos, online forums, or free classes, might assist an aspiring coder in acquiring the aid they need. Stack Overflow is a popular and dependable source for budding developers. ‍
• Put your knowledge to practice - Coding is similar to learning any other language. Maximum practice, maximized knowledge. Find a way to put your new MySQL knowledge to use.
• ‍Join a tutorial - A structured course or a code expert instructor can assist in hastening the learning process.
• ‍Go to the source - MySQL.com provides tools and information for various audiences, including a general information space. This location is nice for learning about MySQL's history and uses.

Conclusion 

As developers put it, “MySQL is a powerful tool that can help you store, organize, and retrieve data from a database.” MySQL mastery is key for database developers trying to advance in their professions.

Developers can unleash the full potential of MySQL and create strong and efficient database solutions by grasping the fundamental ideas, improving performance, guaranteeing data security, and staying up to date on current developments.

We hope this blog has helped you master the key concepts of MySQL. Need help in your technical operations? Reach out to MarsDevs - your one-stop solution for all tech needs!

FAQs

1. Is MySQL the same as SQL?

No, MySQL is not synonymous with SQL Server. Even though they’re RBMS, they differ in cost, use cases, license, features & other factors.

2. Is MySQL free?

MySQL is open-source software that is free for enterprises and individuals. It can be used as a stand-alone product on a web server for any purpose, commercial or not. 

3. Can I use MySQL without SQL?

No, SQL is required for database work. SQL is required to operate with a relational database since it is a query language for coding and handling data in a relational database management system such as MySQL.

4. Which is the latest version of MySQL?

The most recent support for working with MySQL is Version 8. Many major changes have been made, including the addition of new functionalities.

5. Is MySQL easy for beginners?

MySQL is the universal DBMS software for handling relational databases. Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database is a faster, more scalable, and simpler-to-use database management system.