It seems every ISP provides MySql (ok you windows chaps calm down) and I am wondering if its the DB of choice.

So for basic data storage and retrival its fast relaiable and as popular as popular comes but where does it fall short and does V4 find solutions to this.

But what about other DB solutions.

Oracle, Postgres etc

Which one does it for you and why?

Ibbo

MySQL is normally the choice for small to medium websites because it is free, open source and flexible. It is also free. While it does lack many of the features of an Oracle, be prepared to spend 4-5 figures on an Oracle license -- whereas MySQL is free. Unless you need top-shelf computing power, MySQL is going to fit your needs more than a commercial-grade database. It would be like driving a dump truck to the grocery store when a mini-van will do fine -- a bit of overkill. Another thing I prefer about MySQL is that it is free.

Yeah MySQL is my prefered database and it seems most people are familliar with it more than other database packages. lol Kyrnt you really like the fact its free! you said it 3 times!

You missed MSSQL, however I like MYSQL

mySql definitly has limitations and is not the BEST out there by any means. It's actually quite low on the totem pole as far as RDBMS's go.

As Kyrnt may have mentioned, it's free. Therefore it's popular with small to mid-size businesses. If you needed features such as stored procedures, triggers and sub-queries mySql is not for you, but these are essential to larger enterprises.

Originally Posted by Anacrusis

mySql definitly has limitations and is not the BEST out there by any means. It's actually quite low on the totem pole as far as RDBMS's go.

As Kyrnt may have mentioned, it's free. Therefore it's popular with small to mid-size businesses. If you needed features such as stored procedures, triggers and sub-queries mySql is not for you, but these are essential to larger enterprises.

Anacrusis is absolutely right. Although it is free (meaning it costs nothing), it certainly is not the most robust or capable RDBMS. It also does not support nested queries, which introduces more complexity into the application logic.

For many small businesses that need to track orders, manage inventory and log IT events, certainly MySQL is very capable. Additionally, it's low price (free) is why it is nearly ubiquitous in consumer and small-business web hosting packages.

MySql - free, robust, fast can handle relatively large amounts of data. Enough for most.

MSSql - Don't even go there!

Oracle - Awesome power, but you pay for it!

MySql has a solid development map too and actually listens (on the whole) to it's users. If it ain't there now, wait a wee while.

I'm surprised nobody's commenting on postgres... not only is it free (with a less restrictive BSD-style license), but it offers more functionality than MySQL...

ive only heard of mysql cos ive only just started.... how much is Oracle...?

First of all, at -_darkranger_-, Oracle is VERY expensive. Prohibitively so for most companies.

However, I have used PostgreSQL a bit, and never have had any complaints. I stick with mySQL, as it's what I'm acoustomed to.