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What Is MySQL
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MySQL, the most popular Open Source SQL database, is provided by MySQL
AB.  MySQL AB is a commercial company that builds its business
providing services around the MySQL database.  Note: What is MySQL AB.

MySQL is a database management system.
     A database is a structured collection of data.  It may be anything
     from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast
     amounts of information in a corporate network.  To add, access,
     and process data stored in a computer database, you need a
     database management system such as MySQL.  Since computers are
     very good at handling large amounts of data, database management
     plays a central role in computing, as stand-alone utilities, or as
     parts of other applications.

MySQL is a relational database management system.
     A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than
     putting all the data in one big storeroom.  This adds speed and
     flexibility.  The tables are linked by defined relations making it
     possible to combine data from several tables on request.  The SQL
     part of MySQL stands for "Structured Query Language" - the most
     common standardized language used to access databases.

MySQL is Open Source Software.
     Open Source means that it is possible for anyone to use and modify.
     Anybody can download MySQL from the Internet and use it without
     paying anything.  Anybody so inclined can study the source code
     and change it to fit their needs.  MySQL uses the GPL (GNU General
     Public License) `http://www.gnu.org', to define what you may and
     may not do with the software in different situations.  If you feel
     uncomfortable with the GPL or need to embed MySQL into a
     commercial application you can buy a commercially licensed version
     from us.

Why use MySQL?
     MySQL is very fast, reliable, and easy to use.  If that is what
     you are looking for, you should give it a try.  MySQL also has a
     very practical set of features developed in very close cooperation
     with our users.  You can find a performance comparison of MySQL to
     some other database managers on our benchmark page.  Note: MySQL
     Benchmarks.

     MySQL was originally developed to handle very large databases much
     faster than existing solutions and has been successfully used in
     highly demanding production environments for several years.  Though
     under constant development, MySQL today offers a rich and very
     useful set of functions.  The connectivity, speed, and security
     make MySQL highly suited for accessing databases on the Internet.

The technical features of MySQL
     For advanced technical information, see Note: Reference.  MySQL
     is a client/server system that consists of a multi-threaded SQL
     server that supports different backends, several different client
     programs and libraries, administrative tools, and several
     programming interfaces.

     We also provide MySQL as a multi-threaded library which you can
     link into your application to get a smaller, faster, easier to
     manage product.

MySQL has a lot of contributed software available.
     It is very likely that you will find that your favorite
     application or language already supports MySQL.

The official way to pronounce MySQL is "My Ess Que Ell" (not
MY-SEQUEL). But we try to avoid correcting people who say MY-SEQUEL.