Open Source Database Overview, Comparison and Features

Earlier, we discussed SQL Databases. In this post, I will list some popular open-source, free database software. Before starting any service online, it is necessary to choose a database that can guarantee uptime, security, and meet all your needs.

Costs are always a concern when choosing a database, RDBMS from multinational corporations can be very costly and can cause you much grief if you are running a cost-free service online. Open-source database management tools can be very handy. These databases are either free or costs very little and offer most of the features of high-end database systems.

Open Source Database Tools

Here are the top 5 most popular open-source database software and their comparison:

1)   MySQL

MySQL is the most popular and widely used relational database management system that provides multi-user access to a number of databases. MySQL is now owned by Oracle and uses Sequential Query Language to manage a database. Its source is available under GNU license and propriety agreements. MySQL is most popular among PHP developers and used for websites, web applications, and online services.

MySQL is free for non-commercial purposes and cannot cost much for commercial use. Offers feature just like MS-SQL, Oracle, and IBM DB2, large-end database applications.

2)   PostgreSQL

It was developed by PostgreSQL Global Development Group and is an ORDBMS(Object Relational Database Management System). Available under the MIT license for Mac, Windows, Solaris, and Linux, PostgreSQL supports all the properties of major databases.

3)   SQLite

SQLite is a small, lightweight embedded database used in Application File formats, databases for mobile apps, and websites. It is compliant with ACID properties of the database. It is faster and has a simple API. SQLite comes with a standalone command-line interface (CLI) client that can be used to administer SQLite databases.

4)   Berkeley DB

Owned by Oracle, Berkeley DB provides the foundational storage services for your application, no matter how demanding and unique your requirements may seem.  Berkeley DB APIs are available in almost all programming languages, including ANSI-C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, Ruby, and Erlang.

A program accessing the database is free to decide how the data is to be stored in a record. Berkeley DB puts no constraints on the record’s data. The record and its key can both be up to four gigabytes long. Note that Berkeley DB is not a full DBMS.

5)  Firebird

Firebird has always been more fully featured than MySQL and has, unlike PostgreSQL, always worked well on Windows, Linux, and other Nix variants. Firebird provides many of the features available in commercial databases, including stored procedures, triggers, hot backups (backups while the database is running), and replication. The Firebird database comes in two variations: classic server and super server.

Data nowadays is much more complex than it used to be 10 years back. Storing, maintaining and managing data relies on database technology. High-level companies such as Microsoft, Oracle and IBM have been pioneering databases over time and have produced some of the best database systems. Perhaps MS-SQL, IBM-DB, and Oracle are the top most appreciated database systems, but the above-listed open source database systems are feature-rich and offer good performance. In the shadows of some corporate applications, they are usually overlooked.

What is an open-source database compare all databases?

There are plenty of open-source database software available for every purpose. One of the most popular options is MySQL, which is widely popular among website developers. Following that, you can find PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc. All of them are equally handy, so you need to use at least two of them to check which one suits you the most.

Which open-source database is best?

Before considering the best option, you need to consider various things, such as the type of website or app, CMS, etc. However, if you want to open a basic website or manage simple databases, try MySQL. It is one of the best and free data management software you can use.

Did I miss your preferred database? Do mention them in the comment section below.