The basic goal of any database should be to collect information, organize it and provide quick access to it.
Databases are the backbone of all modern business applications. Below you will find the most popular open source based database software.
Next, let's take a look at the best, most popular open source database software.
Open source databases initially appear to be an attractive alternative to expensive Oracle, Microsoft or IBM solutions.
As databases become more voluminous and complex, open source platforms such as MySQL or PostgreSQL are increasingly competing with proprietary products in specific areas.
Just by looking at the typology, one realizes that databases are not a world within everyone's reach.
Nevertheless, we have dared to compile some of the best free database programs.
1. MariaDB
MariaDB is one of the most popular database servers in the world. The solution was developed by the original creators of open source MySQL (considered the most important open source database in the world), and is used by technology giants such as Wikipedia, WordPress or Google.
As mentioned on the MariaDB website, it converts data into structured information in a wide range of applications, from banking to websites.
The program is fast, scalable and robust, with a rich ecosystem of storage engines, plugins and many other tools that make it very versatile for a wide variety of use cases.
According to the company Arsys, "it can be used anywhere MySQL has been used before. As it is a compatible system, any software that has previously used MySQL can also continue to work with MariaDB.
Therefore, MariaDB can be used in any newly created project, as well as swapping MySQL for MariaDB in virtually all projects that may already be in production.
The step is immediate and does not require changing anything in the code, simply install MariaDB and recreate the databases and tables in the new system.
2. MySQL
MySQL has been on the market since 1995 and is currently owned by Oracle. MySQL is a database management system that has a dual license. On the one hand, it is open source, but on the other hand, it has a commercial version managed by Oracle.
It is currently the most famous and widely used open source database in the world. According to the digital marketing company NeoAttack, "similarly, we can find others such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server.
They all have the same purpose and are used in the same environment, which is nothing more than web development, and they are the most widely used today to shape and facilitate communication between websites and servers".
MySQL "serves to store all the information you want in relational databases, as well as to manage all this data with few complications thanks to its visual interface and all the options and tools available.
It is essential, especially on websites that have the option of registering users to log in," they added.
MySQL Community Edition is the free download version, available on more than 20 platforms and operating systems, including Linux, Unix, Mac and Windows.
Among the disadvantages that some of its users comment is the slow processing for large tables, so it is not recommended for agile developments.
3. PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a powerful open source object-relational database system with over 30 years of active development that has earned it a solid reputation for reliability, robustness and performance. Like many other open source projects, PostgreSQL development is not carried out by a specific company or individual, but is driven by a community of developers.
This community is called the PGDG (PostgreSQL Global Development Group). The PostgreSQL community offers many useful places to get familiar with the technology, discover how it works and find career opportunities."
Some of its advantages that stand out are: unlimited installation, great scalability, the graphical tool pgAdmin that is used to manage databases in PostgreSQL intuitively, SQL Standard that implements almost all the functionalities of the ISO/IEC 9075: 2011 standard, power and robustness and great variety of extensions.
On the contrary, it should be noted that it is relatively slow to insert and update small databases, as it is designed for a large volume of information. They also lack online or telephone support to answer questions or problems. In any case, they offer an introductory course to users.
4. MongoDB
Among the NoSQL databases, probably one of the most famous is MongoDB. It is an open source document-oriented NoSQL database.
NoSQL means that, instead of storing data in tables as it does in relational databases.
MongoDB stores data structures in JSON-like documents with a dynamic schema (BSON), making data integration in certain applications easier and faster.
The database is used by large companies, in fact, it is known as 'the database of giant ideas'.
There is a user manual for MongoDB that is licensed under Creative Commons. According to some experts, MongoDB is especially useful in environments that require scalability.
However, the problem that some experts point out is the database's recent change in licensing to increase profits. Among the drawbacks that some users point out is the difficulty of coding and learning.
5. SQLite
Another relational database system, the SQLite code belongs to the public domain and is free for any use, whether commercial or private. In its version 3, SQLite allows databases up to 2 terabytes in size and also allows the inclusion of BLOB type fields (large binary objects).
Each new release is preceded by numerous tests and users are kept updated of all bugs, which gives it a very reliable reputation.
SQLite is the most widely used database engine in the world. SQLite is integrated into all cell phones and most computers and is included in countless applications that people use every day. However, its use is not recommended for client/server applications, for websites with large amounts of transactions or for databases that are too large.
The company launched in 2000 and while they recognize that "the future is always hard to predict," the developers' intention is to remain dynamic until 2050. "Design decisions are made with that goal in mind," they say.
6. CouchBase Server
Couchbase Server is a free database created by the Apache project. It does not guarantee 100% data integrity. It stands out for its large administration console where you can access a large amount of data in a very easy way. It is based on NoSQL technology.
Couchbase Server offers unmatched performance at any scale, in any cloud. With features such as memory-first architecture, geographically distributed deployments and workload isolation.
7. Firebird
Firebird is a relational database that offers many standard ANSI SQL features that run on Linux, Windows, MacOS and a variety of Unix platforms.
Firebird offers excellent concurrency, high performance and powerful language support for stored procedures and triggers. It has been used primarily on production systems since 1981.
Among the advantages, its drivers include, among others, simplicity of installation, low server resource consumption and free community support.
As disadvantages, experts say that it does not include integrated replication support (only as an add-on), that it lacks temporary tables and integration with other database systems, and the absence of reliable authentication in Windows compared to other operating systems.
Databases are the backbone of all modern business applications. Below you will find the most popular open source based database software.
Next, let's take a look at the best, most popular open source database software.
Open source databases initially appear to be an attractive alternative to expensive Oracle, Microsoft or IBM solutions.
As databases become more voluminous and complex, open source platforms such as MySQL or PostgreSQL are increasingly competing with proprietary products in specific areas.
Just by looking at the typology, one realizes that databases are not a world within everyone's reach.
Nevertheless, we have dared to compile some of the best free database programs.
1. MariaDB
MariaDB is one of the most popular database servers in the world. The solution was developed by the original creators of open source MySQL (considered the most important open source database in the world), and is used by technology giants such as Wikipedia, WordPress or Google.
As mentioned on the MariaDB website, it converts data into structured information in a wide range of applications, from banking to websites.
The program is fast, scalable and robust, with a rich ecosystem of storage engines, plugins and many other tools that make it very versatile for a wide variety of use cases.
According to the company Arsys, "it can be used anywhere MySQL has been used before. As it is a compatible system, any software that has previously used MySQL can also continue to work with MariaDB.
Therefore, MariaDB can be used in any newly created project, as well as swapping MySQL for MariaDB in virtually all projects that may already be in production.
The step is immediate and does not require changing anything in the code, simply install MariaDB and recreate the databases and tables in the new system.
2. MySQL
MySQL has been on the market since 1995 and is currently owned by Oracle. MySQL is a database management system that has a dual license. On the one hand, it is open source, but on the other hand, it has a commercial version managed by Oracle.
It is currently the most famous and widely used open source database in the world. According to the digital marketing company NeoAttack, "similarly, we can find others such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server.
They all have the same purpose and are used in the same environment, which is nothing more than web development, and they are the most widely used today to shape and facilitate communication between websites and servers".
MySQL "serves to store all the information you want in relational databases, as well as to manage all this data with few complications thanks to its visual interface and all the options and tools available.
It is essential, especially on websites that have the option of registering users to log in," they added.
MySQL Community Edition is the free download version, available on more than 20 platforms and operating systems, including Linux, Unix, Mac and Windows.
Among the disadvantages that some of its users comment is the slow processing for large tables, so it is not recommended for agile developments.
3. PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a powerful open source object-relational database system with over 30 years of active development that has earned it a solid reputation for reliability, robustness and performance. Like many other open source projects, PostgreSQL development is not carried out by a specific company or individual, but is driven by a community of developers.
This community is called the PGDG (PostgreSQL Global Development Group). The PostgreSQL community offers many useful places to get familiar with the technology, discover how it works and find career opportunities."
Some of its advantages that stand out are: unlimited installation, great scalability, the graphical tool pgAdmin that is used to manage databases in PostgreSQL intuitively, SQL Standard that implements almost all the functionalities of the ISO/IEC 9075: 2011 standard, power and robustness and great variety of extensions.
On the contrary, it should be noted that it is relatively slow to insert and update small databases, as it is designed for a large volume of information. They also lack online or telephone support to answer questions or problems. In any case, they offer an introductory course to users.
4. MongoDB
Among the NoSQL databases, probably one of the most famous is MongoDB. It is an open source document-oriented NoSQL database.
NoSQL means that, instead of storing data in tables as it does in relational databases.
MongoDB stores data structures in JSON-like documents with a dynamic schema (BSON), making data integration in certain applications easier and faster.
The database is used by large companies, in fact, it is known as 'the database of giant ideas'.
There is a user manual for MongoDB that is licensed under Creative Commons. According to some experts, MongoDB is especially useful in environments that require scalability.
However, the problem that some experts point out is the database's recent change in licensing to increase profits. Among the drawbacks that some users point out is the difficulty of coding and learning.
5. SQLite
Another relational database system, the SQLite code belongs to the public domain and is free for any use, whether commercial or private. In its version 3, SQLite allows databases up to 2 terabytes in size and also allows the inclusion of BLOB type fields (large binary objects).
Each new release is preceded by numerous tests and users are kept updated of all bugs, which gives it a very reliable reputation.
SQLite is the most widely used database engine in the world. SQLite is integrated into all cell phones and most computers and is included in countless applications that people use every day. However, its use is not recommended for client/server applications, for websites with large amounts of transactions or for databases that are too large.
The company launched in 2000 and while they recognize that "the future is always hard to predict," the developers' intention is to remain dynamic until 2050. "Design decisions are made with that goal in mind," they say.
6. CouchBase Server
Couchbase Server is a free database created by the Apache project. It does not guarantee 100% data integrity. It stands out for its large administration console where you can access a large amount of data in a very easy way. It is based on NoSQL technology.
Couchbase Server offers unmatched performance at any scale, in any cloud. With features such as memory-first architecture, geographically distributed deployments and workload isolation.
7. Firebird
Firebird is a relational database that offers many standard ANSI SQL features that run on Linux, Windows, MacOS and a variety of Unix platforms.
Firebird offers excellent concurrency, high performance and powerful language support for stored procedures and triggers. It has been used primarily on production systems since 1981.
Among the advantages, its drivers include, among others, simplicity of installation, low server resource consumption and free community support.
As disadvantages, experts say that it does not include integrated replication support (only as an add-on), that it lacks temporary tables and integration with other database systems, and the absence of reliable authentication in Windows compared to other operating systems.