MySQL is an open-source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that enables users to store, manage, and retrieve structured data efficiently. It is widely used for various applications, from small-scale projects to large-scale websites and enterprise-level solutions. 

In relation to MySQL, a database is a structured collection of data organized and stored in tables. It serves as a central repository where information is efficiently managed, allowing users to store, retrieve, update, and delete data. MySQL provides the software framework to create, maintain, and interact with these databases, making data storage and retrieval seamless and reliable

Computers that install and run RDBMS software are called clients. Whenever they need to access data, they connect to the RDBMS server.

MySQL is one of many RDBMS software options. RDBMS and MySQL are often thought to be the same because of MySQL’s popularity. A few big web applications like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, and Yahoo! all use MySQL for data storage purposes. Even though it was initially created for limited usage, it is now compatible with many important computing platforms like Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Ubuntu.


MySQL and SQL are not the same. Be aware that MySQL is one of the most popular RDBMS software’s brand names, which implements a client-server model.

The client and server use a domain-specific language – Structured Query Language (SQL) to communicate in an RDBMS environment. If you ever encounter other names that have SQL in them, like PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL server, they are most likely brands which also use Structured Query Language syntax. RDBMS software is often written in other programming languages but always uses SQL as its primary language to interact with the database. MySQL itself is written in C and C++.


SQL tells the server what to do with the data. In this case, SQL statements can instruct the server to perform certain operations: