MariaDB
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MariaDB and MySQL are two popular relational database management systems (RDBMS) that originated from the same source code. MariaDB was forked from MySQL by the original developers when Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010. Over time, MariaDB and MySQL have diverged significantly, offering unique features and varying compatibility. Here’s a version comparison that shows how MariaDB versions relate to MySQL versions:
🚀 MariaDB vs. MySQL Version Comparison
| MariaDB Version | MySQL Equivalent Version | Compatibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MariaDB 5.1 | MySQL 5.1 | Original forked version; nearly identical with minor differences. |
| MariaDB 5.2 | MySQL 5.1 | Adds unique features (e.g., new storage engines, microsecond precision). |
| MariaDB 5.3 | MySQL 5.1 | Introduced features like subquery optimizations and NoSQL-style handlers. |
| MariaDB 5.5 | MySQL 5.5 | Close compatibility with MySQL 5.5 but with additional enhancements. |
| MariaDB 10.0 | MySQL 5.6 | Skipped 5.6 numbering to avoid confusion; adds Galera Cluster, multi-source replication, and more. |
| MariaDB 10.1 | MySQL 5.6 | More advanced encryption, authentication plugins, and performance improvements. |
| MariaDB 10.2 | MySQL 5.7 | Adds Common Table Expressions (CTEs), JSON functions, window functions, and more. |
| MariaDB 10.3 | MySQL 5.7 | Includes Oracle PL/SQL compatibility, system-versioned tables, and role-based access control. |
| MariaDB 10.4 | MySQL 8.0 (Partial) | Authentication improvements, instant DDL, and better replication, but lacks MySQL 8.0’s transactional DDL. |
| MariaDB 10.5 | MySQL 8.0 (Partial) | Enhanced performance, improved InnoDB, and MyRocks storage engine support. |
| MariaDB 10.6 | MySQL 8.0 (Partial) | Long-term support version (LTS); adds atomic DDL, system versioning, and more. |
| MariaDB 10.7-10.11 | MySQL 8.0 (Partial) | Focuses on enterprise features, JSON enhancements, and optimized joins. |
| MariaDB 11.0+ | MySQL 8.0 (Partial) | Diverged significantly; no longer a drop-in replacement for MySQL 8.0. |
⚡ Key Differences Between MariaDB and MySQL
- Features and Compatibility:
- MySQL 8.0 introduces features like transactional DDL, CTEs, window functions, and JSON functions.
- MariaDB has its own unique features, such as different storage engines (e.g., Aria, MyRocks), Galera Cluster for synchronous replication, and system-versioned tables.
- Replication and Clustering:
- MySQL uses Group Replication and InnoDB Cluster for HA.
- MariaDB offers Galera Cluster, multi-source replication, and built-in sharding.
- Authentication & Security:
- MySQL 8.0 uses
caching_sha2_passwordas the default authentication plugin. - MariaDB continues to use
mysql_native_passwordby default.
- MySQL 8.0 uses
- Storage Engines:
- MySQL focuses primarily on InnoDB with limited pluggable engines.
- MariaDB supports various engines like Aria, MyRocks, Spider, TokuDB, and more.
- JSON Support:
- MySQL 8.0 has native JSON support with indexing.
- MariaDB uses a JSON type but stores data in a TEXT/BLOB column with functions for manipulation.
- Licensing:
- MySQL is owned by Oracle and uses a dual-license (GPL and proprietary).
- MariaDB is community-driven and licensed under the GPL.
- Performance:
- MySQL 8.0 often outperforms MariaDB in certain use cases (e.g., JSON handling, replication).
- MariaDB can be faster for complex joins and analytical queries.
🟢 Choosing Between MySQL and MariaDB
- Choose MariaDB if:
- You prefer an open-source, community-driven project.
- You need advanced replication (Galera Cluster) or storage engine variety.
- Compatibility with MySQL 5.7 or older is sufficient.
- Choose MySQL if:
- You need advanced features from MySQL 8.0, such as transactional DDL and native JSON support.
- You rely on Oracle’s enterprise tools and support.
- Compatibility with proprietary software matters.
✅ Final Thoughts
While MariaDB was once a drop-in replacement for MySQL, it has since diverged significantly. Compatibility for MySQL 8.0 features is limited, so applications requiring MySQL 8.0 functionality may not work seamlessly with MariaDB. Choose based on your feature requirements, licensing preferences, and compatibility needs!
