MySQL
MySQL is the world's most popular open source database. With its proven performance, reliability and ease-of-use, MySQL has become the leading database choice for web-based applications, used by high profile web properties including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Yahoo! and many more. Oracle drives MySQL innovation, delivering new capabilities to power next generation web, cloud, mobile and embedded applications.
How MySQL works
MySQL is based on a client-server model. The core of MySQL is MySQL server, which handles all of the database instructions (or commands). MySQL server is available as a separate program for use in a client-server networked environment and as a library that can be embedded (or linked) into seperate applications. MySQL operates along with several utility programs which support the administration of MySQL databases. Commands are sent to MySQLServer via the MySQL client, which is installed on a computer. MySQL was originally developed to handle large databases quickly. Although MySQL is typically installed on only one machine, it is able to send the database to multiple locations, as users are able to access it via different MySQL client interfaces. These interfaces send SQL statements to the server and then display the results.
Core MySQL features
MySQL enables data to be stored and accessed across multiple storage engines, including InnoDB, CSV, and NDB. MySQL is also capable of replicating data and partitioning tables for better performance and durability. MySQL users aren't required to learn new commands; they can access their data using standard SQL commands.