Author: Robert Agar
Most websites that provide any degree of usefulness or functionality make use of one or several databases. Whether the site is designed to simply collect and display information or to enable customers to engage in eCommerce activities, a database is an essential component of the finished system. The inclusion of a database can turn a bunch of related webpages into an application that provides real business value.
Depending on the type of data that will be stored and processed, different types of databases may be better suited for the job. When a relational database is called for, MySQL is often chosen as the platform for a variety of reasons. We are going to take a look at why so many development teams opt for building their databases with MySQL.
Benefits of Using MySQL for Developers
The community of database and website developers has spoken loudly regarding its preferred solutions. Coming in behind only Oracle, MySQL is the second most popular database as of June 2020. If we go with the premise that this choice is not made without some serious consideration of the alternatives, then there must be compelling reasons for the decision to go with MySQL. As it turns out, this indeed is the case.
As an open-source solution, MySQL can be freely used without incurring the cost of a commercial database platform. This fact makes MySQL attractive for individuals and organizations that are looking for an economical development path. MySQL is an example of free software that fulfills its promise and provides exceptional functionality. It is used for many personal as well as business projects which results in a constantly expanding population of developers with experience using MySQL to address their database needs.
MySQL is a mature solution that has been around since the 1990s. Over the ensuing years, the relational database has become an industry standard fueled in part by the number of individuals who are experienced in implementing the platform. The large base of developers who are familiar with MySQL often has a major influence on the decision-makers charged with selecting the database that will be used for a new web application.
The name MySQL has been incorporated into the well-used and respected development stack known as LAMP. This acronym stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. These components respectively define the operating system, web server, database platform, and programming language. Many popular open-source web applications such as Drupal and WordPress run on the LAMP development stack. It offers a reliable methodology for constructing any type of web application.
The popularity of MySQL for business applications is not predicated solely on its cost and the availability of experienced developers. MySQL also offers many features that are critically important to organizations building websites meant to support eCommerce initiatives. The platform provides the reliability and high-availability that is required in these days when customers need to be satisfied at any hour or may look elsewhere for an alternate product of solution.
MySQL is extremely scalable, a characteristic that coincides with the needs of an eCommerce website. As seasonal demands fluctuate, resource use can be customized to minimize waste and maximize performance. Financial transactions performed by MySQL are secured by being treated as a unified entity. All operations need to be completed successfully for the transaction to be cleared and customer accounts debited. This can be an essential factor in conducting business on the web where user connectivity can unexpectedly drop at any time.
Monitoring MySQL
Developing and implementing a web application is only the first step in obtaining value from the finished product. Once the application is introduced to its intended user community, the real work of supporting and maintaining the system begins. To keep your MySQL systems running smoothly and efficiently, you must use an effective monitoring tool.
SQL Diagnostic Manager for MySQL is an excellent application for keeping tabs on your MySQL databases. It enables a database team to monitor MySQL and MariaDB instances in the cloud or on-premises. Over 600 predefined monitors based on industry best practices allow problems to be identified and addressed proactively. Metric thresholds are fully configurable so different databases can all be monitored effectively based on their specific requirements.
The tool is an agentless solution that eliminates the need to have it installed on new additions to the environment. Your team can identify long-running and locked queries that may be candidates for performance tuning. Dedicated metrics keep the team apprised of security issues and notifies the relevant personnel when problems occur. Enterprises can and should take advantage of a 14-day free trial period to see for themselves how the tool can help strengthen their MySQL environment.
