Difference between MySQL & SQL Server

Introduction

One of the more common themes present on the various MySQL forums and mailing lists is that of data migration. Typically requests are made by users of Microsoft® Access and Microsoft SQL Server who are looking to migrate their data (and client applications) to a MySQL database. Developers often ask for tools that can be used to convert an Access database to MySQL (or convert an MSSQL database to MySQL), without realizing that there is more to migrating an application to MySQL than simply converting data.

In this article I will cover the basics of migrating an application from an Access or SQL Server database to MySQL. We'll start with various reasons why you should (or should not) migrate your existing Access or SQL Server database to MySQL, then cover the planning stages of an application migration. Next we will look at the tools and methods for migrating your actual data from Access/MSSQL to MySQL, followed by some general guidelines for modifying your client application from a Microsoft database to MySQL. Finally, we'll look at some considerations to make when deploying your new MySQL database and application.

Why people prefer to migrate to MySQL

Chances are good that if you are reading this article you already have an interest in migrating your application from Access or SQL Server to MySQL, or at least add support for MySQL to your existing Windows® application. The reasons for migrating an application vary, but let's look at a few of them.

MySQL is Cross-Platform

One great advantage of using MySQL is its cross-platform capabilities. You can develop your database on a Windows laptop and deploy on Windows Server 2003, a Linux server, an IBM mainframe, or an Apple XServe, just to name a few potential platforms. This gives you a lot of versatility when choosing server hardware. You can even set up replication using a master on a Windows platform with Linux slaves. It's incredibly easy to move between platforms: on most platforms you can simply copy the data and configuration files between servers and you are ready to go!

MySQL is Fast

An independent study by Ziff Davis found MySQL to be one of the top performers in a group that included DB2, Oracle, ASE, and SQL Server 2000. MySQL is used by a variety of corporations that demand performance and stability including Yahoo!, Slashdot, Cisco, and Sabre. MySQL can help achieve the highest performance possible with your available hardware, helping to cut costs by increasing time between server upgrades.

MySQL is Free

MySQL is Open Source software. As such you are free to examine the source code and make any changes you wish. As per its GPL license, you are free to redistribute those changes as long as your software is also Open Source. If you do not wish to make your software Open Source, you are free to do so as long as you do not distribute your application externally. If you adhere to the requirements of the GPL, MySQL is free for you to use at no cost. If you wish to distribute your closed-source application externally, you will find that the cost of a MySQL commercial license is extremely low (MySQL licenses start at only $249 US). MySQL AB also offers well priced commercial support that is significantly less expensive than some of its counterparts.

Difference between MySQL And SQL SERVER………….

MySQL does not support Triggers, SQL Server does.

MySQL does not support User Defined Functions, SQL Server does.

MySQL does not have Cursor Support, SQL Server does.

MySQL does not support Stored Procedures, SQL Server does.

MySQL does not have FULL JOIN capabilities, SQL Server does.

MySQL has limited Import/Export capabilities, SQL Server has full support for Import/Export.