Databases
MariaDB
An open fork of MySQL by its original founders, protocol compatible with extra engines and features.
What it is
MariaDB was created by Monty Widenius, a MySQL co-founder, after Oracle acquired Sun in 2010. The aim was to keep a MySQL-like database open and community driven.
It is compatible with MySQL at the protocol and client level, so in many cases it can replace MySQL. Over time the versions diverged: MariaDB has its own engines (Aria, ColumnStore, Spider), system-versioned tables and Galera Cluster for multi-master replication.
In many Linux distributions (Debian, RHEL) MariaDB is the default MySQL-compatible database.
Use it when
- You need a MySQL-compatible database without Oracle dependency.
- A multi-master cluster on Galera.
- Hosts and distributions where MariaDB is installed by default.
Avoid it when
- You need full compatibility with the newest MySQL 8+ features: the versions have diverged.
- Advanced extensions like PostGIS or pgvector: PostgreSQL.
Key concepts
- Fork
- An independent branch of the MySQL codebase.
- Galera Cluster
- Synchronous multi-master replication.
- Storage engines
- InnoDB, Aria, ColumnStore and others.
- System-versioned tables
- Row change history with point-in-time queries.
Example
Interview questions
1. Why did MariaDB appear?
After Oracle acquired Sun, the community and MySQL's founder worried about the project's openness. MariaDB was created as a free fork under a foundation.
2. Does MariaDB always replace MySQL unchanged?
Often yes for simple apps, but newer versions differ in some functions, JSON types and system tables. Test before migrating.
3. What is Galera Cluster?
Synchronous multi-master replication where every node accepts writes. It gives fault tolerance but adds commit latency.
Related technologies
- MySQLOne of the most widespread relational databases, the foundation of many web projects and the LAMP stack.
- PostgreSQLA powerful open source relational database with extensions, JSONB, full-text search and strong SQL support.
- LaravelA popular PHP framework with expressive syntax, the Eloquent ORM, queues and a rich ecosystem.
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