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Comparisons

Postgres vs MySQL / MySQL vs Postgres​

Why Postgres​

  • Window Functions, CTE, better for analytics and analytical queries
  • More indexing options
  • More data types
  • Better performance
  • Extensions and plugins

Difference​

CriteriaPostgreSQLMySQL
Data Integrity & ACID ComplianceStrict ACID compliance with advanced constraints, triggers, and foreign keysACID-compliant (with InnoDB), but historically more lenient with data integrity
SQL ComplianceHighly SQL-compliant with support for complex queries and advanced featuresLess SQL-compliant but simpler for basic use cases
PerformanceOptimized for complex, read-heavy queries and large datasetsFaster for simple read-heavy operations and small-to-medium-sized applications
ExtensibilityHighly extensible (custom data types, functions, extensions)Limited extensibility but supports plugins
Data TypesOffers a wider range of data types, including JSON, XML, and arrays.Provides a more limited set of data types.
IndexingSupports various indexing techniques, including B-tree, hash, GiST, and GIN.Primarily supports B-tree indexing.
Replication & ClusteringSupports asynchronous and synchronous replication, and logical replicationMature replication options (master-slave, master-master, Galera Cluster)
Community & EcosystemStrong community, wide adoption in enterprise environments, cloud-managed services (e.g., AWS RDS)Large community, supported by MySQL Enterprise and popular forks like MariaDB
SecurityAdvanced access control, including row-level security and fine-grained permissionsSecure but lacks advanced access control features like PostgreSQL
Use CasesBest for data analytics, complex queries, enterprise-level applicationsIdeal for high-speed web applications, e-commerce, and SaaS solutions
JSON and Document StorageExcellent JSON and JSONB support for hybrid NoSQL and relational capabilitiesSupports JSON since version 5.7, but less performant than PostgreSQL’s JSONB
LicensingPostgreSQL License (permissive and liberal)GPL License (may require specific licensing for commercial use)

SQL Compliance​

  • PostgreSQL: Highly SQL-compliant, often called "the most SQL-compliant" open-source database. It supports advanced features like window functions, common table expressions (CTEs), and complex queries.
  • MySQL: Less SQL-compliant. It is easier to work with for simple use cases but might lack advanced SQL features that PostgreSQL offers.

Performance​

  • PostgreSQL: Optimized for complex read-heavy and analytical queries. It handles large volumes of data and complex operations better due to its support for advanced indexing methods and sophisticated query optimization.
  • MySQL: Typically faster for simple read-heavy operations and small-to-medium-sized applications with less complex queries. It's often chosen for web applications that require high-speed transactional operations.