Best MySQL Hosting

Introduction

MySQL is an open-source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).

The original developer of the product was a Swedish company by the name MySQL AB. In 2008, Sun Microsystems bought MySQL AB, and then Oracle took over Sun Microsystems in 2010.

The word SQL stands for Structured Query Language (SQL). It runs on all the operating systems, including UNIX, Linux, and Windows. Despite this, the industry prefers it using web-based applications and online publishing.

Leading database-driven web applications such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal use MySQL. Besides, some of the largest international brands prefer MySQL over other relational databases.

If you are looking out for a complete MySQL hosting guide, you’ve reached the right article. It discusses important aspects related to MySQL. The aspects include its applications, need, pros and cons, and some others.

What is MySQL used for?

MySQL can be manually constructed and installed from source code, but is more frequently installed from a binary package unless special modifications are required. 

The package management system can be downloaded and installed for most Linux distributions with little effort, but additional configuration is often required to adjust security and optimization settings.

Developers and enterprises use MySQL for a range of applications. These include eCommerce, data warehousing, to logging applications. But the most common use is with web databases.

You can use the RDBMS for a variety of things. You can create an individual record of information using it. But, you can also use it to create a complete inventory of products.

Besides, you can also combine it with scripting languages such as Perl, or PHP to develop websites. You can develop websites capable of the following.

  • Live interaction with a MySQL database
  • Showcase categorised and searchable information to a particular visitor.

MySQL is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) open-source system.

The software was originally developed by a Swedish company called MySQL AB. In 2008, Sun Microsystems purchased MySQL AB, and Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010.

So how do you communicate with the client and the server in the RDBMS environment? They use the Structured Query Language (SQL), a domain language. 

When you encounter other names of SQL, such as PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL servers, most likely brands that use SQL syntax. RDBMS software is often written in other languages, but always uses SQL to communicate with a database as their primary language. MySQL itself is C and C++ written.

How did we pick the best MySQL hosting?

MySQL is a popular database. Hence, it isn’t as challenging to find a web hosting provider that offers MySQL. But you must also consider performance and storage while making the best choice.

Most of the web hosting plans come with a single instance of MySQL. Besides, often, a single MySQL database suffices. For larger projects, you need a web hosting package that facilitates several databases.

Apart from the above, you also ensure that you’ve got cPanel or Plesk installed. Installing them enables you to create, manage, or delete databases. cPanel offers a database wizard that guides you to manage the database.

Why do I need MySQL hosting?

You need MySQL, not because the world uses it, but because of its various features, functionalities, and compatibility. Here are some reasons you need MySQL hosting for your website.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility

MySQL has got the most diverse cross-platform compatibility. You can run it on almost every machine, and web hosting plan. Besides Microsoft and Linux, you can also run it on macOS, FreeBSD, and Solaris.

  • Data Security and Database Capabilities

The product offers unique features. These features help you execute your tasks without compromising on data security. A lot of companies prefer MySQL to manage massive datasets and large website content.

  • High Performance

Performance is a significant factor that determines the efficiency of every database. MySQL enhances the performance of your database. The product’s efficient design and functionalities help high-speed use. This feature proves useful for websites that run on a shared hosting plan.

  • Multilingual Application

MySQL enables you to use PHP, Apache, and various other programming languages on it. A lot of users across the globe prefer using MySQL. There are two reasons for it. The first one is that it supports these elements. The second is that it facilitates a lot of tools for disposal through a single system.

What should I look for when buying MySQL Hosting?

You’ve got a range of options with buying the best MySQL hosting. You may choose the best one based on your need, budget, and also features you want the alternative to have. Some of the features or elements you must look for before completing your MySQL hosting pick are,

  • Hosting Plans

Comprehensive and diverse hosting plans help you make a better choice. So, before you complete your decision, you must go through the hosting plans. You must choose the best one based on your need, and cost you can invest.

  • The Number of MySQL Databases

The most competent MySQL hosting must provide unlimited MySQL databases and hosting packages. Thus, you ensure high performance for your databases through separate hard drive storages.

  • MySQL Version

You must also look out for the MySQL version that your hosting plan offers. Choose a plan that provides you with the latest MySQL 5.5 version. It is even better if it offers extra tools, including SSH and phpMyAdmin. These tools add to the comfort and independence of remote database operations.

  • Technical Support and Maintenance

While dealing with technology, encountering technical issues is common. Hence, choose a hosting provider that offers the above. But, also ensure that the provider provides quick and accurate technical solutions. It will make your hosting experience a blissful one.

  • Cost

The most expensive plan will bring a fully loaded combo product to your table. But, you must consider price and your needs before investing money into technology. Assess your business needs in the first place and then make an informed decision. It helps!

Does MySQL hosting cost more?

In most of the cases, the free version of MySQL is good enough to fulfil your database needs. Most of the web hosting plans include MySQL in the standard package. So, you won’t even have to download it. But, if it doesn’t, you may download the free version termed MySQL Community edition.

While the free version is useful enough, you can buy an upgraded version for a specific need. The Standard Edition costs USD 2,000, and the Enterprise one comes at USD 5,000. If you need a higher version, you may buy the Carrier Grade version for USD 10,000.

The above versions create access to a host of advanced functionalities and tools. You also get many other elements that include free maintenance and technical support.

Of course, the advanced features demand some initial investment. But, the RoI, features, and convenience are worth the money you shell out.

MySQL Pros & Cons

Despite its popularity and widespread application, MySQL comes with its advantages and disadvantages. So, let us take a look at the pros and cons of MySQL.

Pros

1.     Open Source

Although Oracle licenses the commercial use of MySQL, you can still download it for free and use it. The open-source nature of the free version of MySQL makes it an inexpensive system. Furthermore, access to the source code results in hassle-free troubleshooting with MySQL.

2.     High Performance

The database is critical to the speed of a web application. If the web application isn’t fast enough, users will shut it down, and move onto another one. So, the application of MySQL proves crucial here.

MySQL provides high-performance standards with quick data movement and process. Besides, it also simplifies range queries, fundamental key lookups, etc.

3.     Quick and Easy Interaction

MySQL is an easy-to-use product. You can perform most of the tasks in the command line, and won’t need a GUI. The architecture is simple to deal with. Hence, you don’t need technical expertise to download, install, and use MySQL. Any layperson can interact with it.

Cons

Let us take a look at the flip side of the coin.

1.     Scalability Issues

You cannot scale MySQL. Even if you have to do so, it demands a lot of hard work and dealing with a lot of technical complexities to scale MySQL. If you project some growth for your application in the time to come, you must consider using MySQL.

2.     It Restricts the Stored Procedure and Trigger

MySQL has limited options when it comes to writing the stored procedure and trigger. The stored procedure facilitates code reuse and encapsulation. But, you don’t have many options in this regard as compared to its counterparts.

3.     MySQL doesn’t work with Large-Sized Data

MySQL works well with small or midsize applications. But, dealing with large-sized data isn’t as easy. So, you get a better response with simple and indexed queries, but not with the complex ones.

4.    MySQL isn’t Completely Compliant with Standard SQL

The product isn’t completely compliant with SQL-92 standards. It isn’t a big problem when dealing with smaller web applications. But, it could pose one when you migrate from MySQL to other databases.

Conclusion

MySQL is an efficient product. But, what matters at the end of the day are factors such as your present and future requirements. Apart from that, you must think and choose a database and web hosting provider.

As a small or mid-sized application, MySQL will prove a useful product for you. But, if you envisage growth in the years to come, you must make a choice.

We hope we gave you considerable insights into MySQL. So, you can now make the right choice, and choose the right plans for needs.