Knowledge Base

MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB Comparison: Which Database System Should You Choose?

In modern software projects, the choice of database directly affects the speed, security, scalability, and long-term success of the project. However, the abundance of open-source and commercial database solutions on the market can complicate the decision-making process for developers. In this guide, we comprehensively, technically, and simply compare the 4 most popular databases: MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

General Definitions

1. MySQL: Powerful with Prevalence and Community Strength

Advantages:

• Most widely used open-source database

• Strong integration with systems like PHP, WordPress, Laravel

• Comes as default on cPanel servers

Disadvantages:

• Managed by Oracle (some versions are commercial)

• Performance tuning limitations

Suitable for? SME websites, blogs, small to medium-sized projects

⚙️ 2. MariaDB: MySQL's Free and Fast Alternative

It is the open-source continuation of MySQL. Its developers were created by the founders of MySQL.

Advantages:

• Fully compatible with MySQL (DROP-IN REPLACEMENT)

• Faster read/write operations

• Built-in replication technologies like Galera Cluster

Disadvantages:

• Large enterprise support providers are generally focused on MySQL

Suitable for? High traffic sites, large databases, open-source supported systems

3. PostgreSQL: Enterprise Level with Advanced Features

Advantages:

• Supports JSON, XML, GIS data types

• ACID compliance is very strong

• Most stable structure in multiple concurrent write operations

• Advanced RDBMS features such as view, trigger, stored procedure

Disadvantages:

• Steeper learning curve

• Hosting panel support may be limited (e.g., cPanel, Plesk)

Suitable for? Enterprise applications, geographic information systems (GIS), finance, healthcare systems

4. MongoDB: The Flexible Power of the NoSQL World

Advantages:

• Schema-less data structure (JSON-like documents)

• Superior performance in real-time data

• Automatic sharding (data partitioning)

• High scalability and flexibility

Disadvantages:

• ACID guarantee is limited (better after version 4.0)

• Requires a learning process for developers who have learned SQL

Suitable for? Chat applications, IoT systems, large e-commerce catalogs, data streaming systems

Technical Comparison Table

Impacts in Terms of SEO, Web Hosting, and Application Performance

• In terms of SEO: Website speed is important. MySQL and MariaDB provide an advantage in terms of SEO because they work integrated with CMSs such as WordPress.

• Web Hosting: MySQL/MariaDB is common in shared hosting.

• Performance: PostgreSQL and MongoDB offer more stable and powerful performance in systems containing a lot of data.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Database for Your Project

• Beginner or intermediate web project: MySQL or MariaDB

• High-traffic content sites, SEO-optimized infrastructure: MariaDB

• Corporate analysis systems, statistics, financial systems: PostgreSQL

• Real-time data processing, projects requiring a flexible structure: MongoDB

Each database system has its strengths and weaknesses. The best database is the system that best suits the needs of your software.