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MySQL

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MySQL is a special tool used to organize information on computers. It is known as a relational database management system, or RDBMS. This means it keeps data in tables that can connect to each other. These connections help give the information a clear structure.

The MySQL Workbench startup screen
The MySQL Workbench startup screen

To talk to this system, programmers use a language called SQL. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. They use these commands to create, change, or find data. They also use SQL to decide which users are allowed to see certain information.

Working with MySQL involves several important steps. First, the system works with a computer's operating system to store data. It manages different users and allows them to access the data over a network.

The system also helps people test if the data is correct. It can even create backups to keep the information safe. This way of working makes sure the data stays organized and easy to find. It is a very helpful way to manage huge amounts of digital information.

The history of MySQL began in Sweden. A company called MySQL AB was started by David Axmark, Allan Larsson, and Michael "Monty" Widenius.

Monty-Widenius-David-Axmark-MySQL-2003-05-09
Monty-Widenius-David-Axmark-MySQL-2003-05-09

Widenius and Axmark started working on the project in 1994. The very first version of MySQL appeared on May 23, 1995. The name "MySQL" is quite special. It combines "SQL" with "My," which was the name of Widenius' daughter. This tool was originally made for personal use to replace an older system that was too slow.

MySQL has grown very large over many years. In 2008, a company called Sun Microsystems bought MySQL AB for $1 billion. Later, in 2010, Oracle Corporation bought Sun Microsystems.

Geir Høydalsvik at Percona Live Europe 2018 3
Geir Høydalsvik at Percona Live Europe 2018 3

Because of these changes, Monty Widenius started a new project called MariaDB. MySQL is now available in different versions, like the free Community Server and the paid Enterprise Server. It is also part of the LAMP software stack. This stack includes Linux, Apache, MySQL, and languages like PHP or Python.

You might use MySQL every day without even knowing it. Many of the most popular websites in the world rely on it to work.

The MySQL Workbench startup screen
The MySQL Workbench startup screen

For example, sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter use MySQL to manage their data. Other big web applications like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal also use it. Because it is fast and stable, it is a great choice for many different computer systems. Whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux, MySQL helps keep the digital world running smoothly.

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File:Monty-Widenius-David-Axmark-MySQL-2003-05-09.jpg
Monty-Widenius-David-Axmark-MySQL-2003-05-09.jpg
File:Geir Høydalsvik at Percona Live Europe 2018 3.jpg
Geir Høydalsvik at Percona Live Europe 2018 3.jpg
File:LAMP software bundle.svg
LAMP software bundle.svg
File:The MySQL Workbench startup screen.png
The MySQL Workbench startup screen.png
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