Relational Database Comparison: SQLite vs MySQL vs PostgreSQL
Since Edgar F. Codd proposed the relational model in 1970, relational databases have undergone significant evolution over the past 40 years. Today, a wide range of relational databases are available, each with its unique features and capabilities. When choosing a relational database for your application, it’s essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each option. In this article, we’ll compare SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, three popular relational database management systems (RDBMS).
SQLite: A Lightweight Database
SQLite is a self-contained, file-based database that complies with the ACID principles. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for embedded applications that require portability and ease of use. SQLite does not require a separate process to communicate with the application; instead, it uses a programmatic interface to access data directly from the SQLite file.
SQLite Advantages
- File-based: The entire database consists of a single file on disk, making it highly portable.
- Standardization: SQLite supports SQL, with some omitted features and additional functionality.
- Simplified Development: SQLite is very simple to use, with a single file and a C library link.
- Concurrent Needs: SQLite contains a wealth of functionality beyond the required development, making it suitable for development and testing phases.
SQLite Shortcomings
- No User Management: SQLite lacks advanced user database support systems, such as connection management and access to database tables.
- Limited Scalability: SQLite’s design makes it difficult to optimize performance or design for high concurrency.
- No Multi-Client Support: SQLite is not designed for concurrent access, making it unsuitable for multi-user applications.
When to Use SQLite
- Embedded Applications: SQLite is ideal for applications that require portability, simplicity, and ease of use, such as local single-user applications, mobile applications, or games.
- Testing: SQLite is a great choice for testing and development phases, as it provides a simple and efficient way to read and write data.
When Not to Use SQLite
- Multi-User Applications: SQLite is not suitable for applications that require concurrent access, such as multiple clients accessing the same database.
- High-Write Operations: SQLite’s design limits its throughput, making it unsuitable for applications with high-write operations.
MySQL: A Feature-Rich Database Server
MySQL is a popular, open-source relational database server that is widely used in web applications and online services. Its feature-rich design makes it an excellent choice for distributed operations, high security, and customized solutions.
MySQL Advantages
- Ease of Use: MySQL is very easy to install and use, with a large number of third-party tools and libraries available.
- Feature-Rich: MySQL supports a wide range of data types and features, including security and scalability.
- Standardization: MySQL provides a large number of functions, either direct or indirect support.
- Scalability: MySQL can handle large amounts of data and scale to meet the needs of high-traffic applications.
MySQL Shortcomings
- Limited SQL Compliance: MySQL does not attempt to implement a complete SQL standard, making it difficult to integrate with other relational databases.
- Concurrency: MySQL’s design can lead to concurrency issues, particularly with concurrent read and write operations.
- Missing Features: MySQL lacks some features, such as full-text search.
When to Use MySQL
- Distributed Operations: MySQL is an excellent choice for applications that require distributed operations, high security, and customized solutions.
- Web Sites and Web Applications: MySQL is widely used in web applications and online services, making it an excellent choice for these types of applications.
- Customized Solutions: MySQL provides a wealth of configuration items and modes of operation, making it an excellent choice for customized solutions.
When Not to Use MySQL
- SQL Compliance: MySQL’s limited SQL compliance makes it difficult to integrate with other relational databases.
- Concurrency: MySQL’s design can lead to concurrency issues, particularly with concurrent read and write operations.
PostgreSQL: An Advanced Open-Source Database
PostgreSQL is an advanced, open-source object-relational database management system that is designed to comply with the ANSI/ISO SQL standard and its amendments. Its unique design makes it an excellent choice for applications that require high data integrity, complex custom programs, and integration with other relational databases.
PostgreSQL Advantages
- Open Source: PostgreSQL is an open-source, free relational database that provides a strong community support.
- SQL Compliance: PostgreSQL is designed to comply with the ANSI/ISO SQL standard and its amendments.
- Scalability: PostgreSQL is highly scalable, making it an excellent choice for large-scale applications.
- Object-Oriented: PostgreSQL supports nested functions, making it an excellent choice for complex custom programs.
PostgreSQL Shortcomings
- Performance: PostgreSQL may be overkill for simple heavy read operations, and its performance is worse than similar products like MySQL.
- Prevalence: Despite its large number of deployments, PostgreSQL is not as popular as MySQL.
- Hosted: Finding a host or service provider to provide hosting for a PostgreSQL instance can be challenging.
When to Use PostgreSQL
- Data Integrity: PostgreSQL is an excellent choice for applications that require high data integrity, such as financial applications or healthcare applications.
- Complex Custom Programs: PostgreSQL is an excellent choice for applications that require complex custom programs, such as data analysis or machine learning applications.
- Integration: PostgreSQL is an excellent choice for applications that require integration with other relational databases, such as Oracle.
When Not to Use PostgreSQL
- Speed: PostgreSQL may be overkill for applications that require quick read operations.
- Simple Scenes: PostgreSQL may be too complex for simple scenes, unless absolute data integrity, ACID compliance, or complex design is required.