A Comparison between MySQL vs. MS SQL Server

When it comes to enterprise database systems, both MySQL and MS SQL Server are quite popular. For the uninitiated, MySQL is open source, while Microsoft owns SQL Server and offers the choice to use it for diverse enterprise requirements. If you are looking for a MySQL optimization expert, it is first important to know the difference between the two, so as to pick the right one for your specific needs. 

Here’s more on the differences:

•  Platforms and programming languages supported. Initially, SQL Server was launched for Windows only, but Microsoft has recently made SQL Server available for Mac OS X and Linux. MySQL on the other hand is open source. In terms of programming languages, both MySQL and SQL Server offer support for Java, Python, Ruby, C++, Go, and Delphi to name a few. MySQL also offers support for Eiffel and Perl among others for those who are interested.
• Storage Engine. MySQL offers support for diverse storage engines, and it is no longer compulsory to upgrade the storage engine for programmers who use previous versions. In that department, MySQL is a better choice than SQL Server. Programmers also get considerable freedom when it comes to filtering data, although developers using SQL Server can use “row-based filtering”.
• Backup. In case of MySQL, SQL statements must be extracted to get a backup of the data, which minimizes the risk of corruption, especially when the developer chooses to update from version to another. While that’s a good thing, the process can take considerable time. SQL Server, on the other side, allows developers to store and backup huge volumes of data, without extra time, so SQL Server has an edge in that department. 
• Kill queries. If you are using MySQL, you cannot kill a query when its working, and to do that, the entire process must be killed. That’s not the same with SQL Server, which allows cancelling one particular query without affecting the entire process, and this is because it relies on what’s called the “transactional engine”.
• Security. In many ways, MS SQL Server is certainly better than MySQL in terms of security. This is because it doesn’t allow any process to access or deal with the database, for which specific functions are required. Hackers can easily do these things with MySQL, but not with MS SQL Server, and that does offer an edge.
• Versions. In case of MySQL, there are two options - MySQL Enterprise Server or MySQL Community Sever. The latter is free completely, but for MySQL Enterprise Server, there are a considerable number of paid extensions. MS SQL Server does have many versions or editions, and it depends on the requirements. You can check with Microsoft to know more.

If you need help, you can always contact with a MySQL queries consultant to know further. Both MySQL and MS SQL Server are important and have diverse applications, and the features, pros and cons depend on the edition you are using. Take a look at what considered option offers before taking a call for your project.