MySQL vs Oracle SQL (2024)

In my last MySQL article, I briefly mentioned that MySQL is owned by Oracle. But that got me thinking, why not compare MySQL and Oracle SQL? They’re both owned by the same company, and yet they both seem very different when using. In theory, every SQL language supported by different management systems should all be at least somewhat different. But these two RDBMSs have more differences than just the syntax. So that’s what we’ll be exploring in this article. Like the others, we’ll first start with a brief overview of Oracle SQL. Just a short description of what it is and some of the details we’ll need to reference later. Finally, we’ll compare some of the differences between MySQL and Oracle SQL. Like the other MySQL versus… articles, it isn’t going to be all-inclusive. But we’ll at least look at some of the major differences.

Oracle SQL Overview

When referring to Oracle SQL, we are talking about Oracle Database. It is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that uses a commercial license. Oracle SQL is a cross-platform management system, meaning it can be run on a variety of operating systems. This database management system was the first relational system to be developed to manipulate records within the database. Oracle SQL was also built to be scalable, portable, and easily programmable.

Oracle SQL is built to handle large quantities of data. It even has recovery management tools. Another major goal is the reliability of that data and ensuring the data’s integrity is maintained. It does so by following the ACID (atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability) to maintain that integrity.

Open-Source Database

As you know well by now, MySQL is an open-source database. In comparison, however, Oracle SQL is developed to be commercial. That means without a license, you would not be able to use Oracle SQL. There is an express addition of Oracle SQL that is free to use, but that is recommended only for students to use.

Database capabilities

As far as scalability, MySQL can be used for both small and large businesses. Oracle SQL is designed to be large-scale and can support large quantities of data.