MySQL, pronounced either “My S-Q-L” or “My Sequel,” is an open source relational database management system. First released in January, 1998, MySQL is now one component of parent company MySQL AB’s product line of database servers and development tools. MySQL can store many types of data from something as tiny as a single character to as large as complete files or graphics. Although it can be accessed by most programming languages, it is often coupled with PHP because they work together with ease.
Many Internet startups became interested in the original open source version of MySQL as an alternative to the proprietary database systems from Oracle, IBM, and Informix. MySQL is currently available under two different licensing agreements: free of charge, under the GNU General Public License (GPL) open source system or through subscription to MySQL Network for business applications. Information stored in a MySQL database hosted on a web server can be accessed from anywhere in the world with a computer. This makes it a good way to store information that needs the ability to change over time, but also needs to be accessed over the net. Some examples that can utilize MySQL are a web message board or a customer’s shipping status.
Corbin Creative Databases, LLC has worked extensively with MySQL on various projects in the Maryland and Washington DC areas. We have built proprietary customized systems on MySQL back ends, as well as transferred/upgraded existing MySQL databases to Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server.