Why Not MySQL?
Ben Adida: Why Not MySQL? (for the OpenACS Project)
NOTE: This Document was written in May 2000. Thus, it is outdated and does not represent the latest data concerning MySQL. I will attempt to find time to rewrite this with more current information soon (August 10th, 2001)
If what you want is raw, fast storage, use a filesystem. If you want to share it among multiple boxes, use NFS. If you want simple reliability against simplistic failure, use mirroring. Want a SQL interface to it all? Use MySQL.
Now, if what you want is data storage that guarantees a certain number of invariants in your data set, that allows for complex operations on this data without ever violating those constraints, that isolates simultaneous users from each other’s partial work, and that recovers smoothly from just about any kind of failure, then get your self a real RDBMS. Yes, it will be slower than the MySQL file system. Just like TCP is slower than UDP, while providing better service guarantees.
