Magento MariaDB vs MySQL: Which Database Performs Better?

• What is Magento MariaDB?

• What is MySQL Database Management System?

• MariaDB vs MySQL: Key Feature Differences

• MySQL vs MariaDB: Storage Engine Comparison

• Magento 2 MariaDB vs MySQL: Security Features Comparison

• MariaDB and MySQL: JSON Handling Capabilities

• MariaDB vs MySQL: Replication Features Comparison

• FAQs

• Summary

What is Magento MariaDB?

MariaDB is a powerful open-source database management system. It serves as a compatible alternative to MySQL for Magento 2. MariaDB is scalable and capable of handling thousands of tables and billions of rows of data.

It offers several distinctive capabilities:

1. Built-in encryption by default for enhanced security

2. Advanced performance optimizations and storage engines like Aria and XtraDB

3. Support for JSON data handling through LONGTEXT format

4. PL/SQL support since version 10.3

5. Ability to handle multiple storage engines in a single table

What is MySQL Database Management System?

MySQL is a widely used, open-source relational database management system. It has long been the default choice for Magento e-commerce platforms.

MySQL offers a set of features that make it a popular choice for web applications:

1. ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliant for reliable transactions

2. Support for multiple storage engines, including InnoDB and MyISAM

3. Detailed indexing capabilities for improved query performance

4. Replication support for improved scalability and high availability

5. Built-in security features, including SSL support and encryption

MariaDB vs MySQL: Key Feature Differences

MySQL vs MariaDB: Storage Engine Comparison

1. MySQL 8.0

• The default engine, InnoDB, has been the standard since MySQL 5.7. It provides features for ensuring data integrity and reliability. InnoDB supports transaction-safe operations, adhering to ACID compliance principles. This engine uses row-level locking. It allows for better concurrency in multi-user environments.

• One of InnoDB's key strengths is its support for foreign key referential constraints. It helps maintain data consistency across related tables. InnoDB also uses clustered indexes. It can improve I/O performance for certain types of queries.

• MyISAM, another storage engine in MySQL, offers a different set of features. It's known for its small-footprint design. It makes it efficient in terms of storage space. MyISAM uses table-level locking. This engine is particularly well-suited for read-heavy workloads. It makes it ideal for web applications and data warehousing configurations.

• The MEMORY engine, for instance, is designed for in-memory storage of temporary tables. It can be useful for operations requiring rapid access to transient data. The ARCHIVE engine is for compressing and storing large amounts of unindexed data. It can be beneficial for long-term data archival in Magento stores.

2. MariaDB

• At the forefront is XtraDB, an enhanced version of InnoDB. XtraDB is optimized explicitly for Magento operations. It excels in high-concurrency scenarios. It provides improved performance when multiple users are accessing the database simultaneously. This makes XtraDB valuable for busy Magento stores with high traffic volumes.

• Another notable engine in MariaDB's arsenal is Aria. Aria is essentially a crash-safe enhancement of the MyISAM engine. It offers better performance for complex queries. It can be beneficial for stores with intricate product catalogs or search functionalities. Aria also provides good support for temporary tables.

• ColumnStore is optimized for large-scale data analysis. It is for stores looking to use big data analytics for business intelligence. MyRocks is another specialized engine designed for flash storage. It offers better compression capabilities. It can lead to space savings and improved I/O performance on SSD-based systems.

• The Spider engine in MariaDB provides partitioning and transaction support. It can be useful for large datasets that benefit from horizontal partitioning. TokuDB is an engine designed for write-intensive environments. It makes it a good choice for stores that experience high volumes of order processing.

Magento 2 MariaDB vs MySQL: Security Features Comparison

1. Magento 2 MariaDB

• A standout security feature of Magento MariaDB is its advanced encryption capabilities. The system supports end-to-end encryption using Transport Layer Security (TLS). It protects data in transit from unauthorized access. MariaDB employs Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for table and binary log encryption. It ensures that data remains secure, even if the physical storage is compromised.

• MariaDB also offers integration with AWS Key Management Service and eperi Gateway. It provides users with flexible options for managing encryption keys.

• Built-in auditing allows admins to track all database events meticulously. This auditing capability is needed to maintain accountability and transparency. MariaDB also uses denial of service protection through result-limiting filters. It helps mitigate potential attacks aimed at overwhelming the system.

• The system supports LDAP authentication. It allows for user and group mapping to optimize access management. MariaDB improves security through two-factor authentication via Google Authenticator. It provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

• It also supports SSH password backup and one-time password mechanisms. This further strengthens user authentication processes.

• Role-based access control (RBAC) allows admins to define user roles and permissions. It ensures that users have only the necessary access to perform their tasks.

2. MySQL

• Since version 4.1, MySQL has supported SHA-256-based encrypted passwords for internal users. This encryption improves the security of user credentials. It makes it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. MySQL also allows for detailed privilege management through GRANT and REVOKE statements. This capability enables admins to define specific permissions for users.

• Achieving optimal security in MySQL requires careful configuration. One step is changing the default port 3306 used by MySQL. Keeping this port unchanged can make the database a target for common attacks. This is because many attackers know databases that operate on default settings.

• Restricting the SHOW DATABASES command is essential for minimizing exposure. By limiting visibility, admins can reduce the risk of attackers getting intelligence. Using strong password policies is another aspect of security configuration.

MariaDB and MySQL: JSON Handling Capabilities

1. MySQL

• MySQL supports a native JSON data type that was introduced in version 5.7. This data type is defined by RFC 7159 and allows for efficient storage and access of JSON documents. One of the advantages of using the JSON data type is its automatic validation of documents. If an invalid JSON document is stored, MySQL will generate an error.

• The internal storage format used by MySQL optimizes read access to document elements. This means that when querying MySQL, it can access subobjects or nested values. It is without needing to parse the entire document.

• MySQL optimizations include a set of functions for working with JSON data. These include functions for:

  1. Creating JSON objects and arrays

  2. Extracting values

  3. Updating documents

  4. Merging multiple JSON documents.

2. MariaDB

• MariaDB treats JSON as an alias for the LONGTEXT data type. While you can store JSON-formatted strings, the database does not validate these strings. It can lead to potential issues if an invalid JSON is stored without any checks.

• MariaDB has developed its own set of functions to work with JSON data. These are similar to those found in MySQL.

• JSON_VALUE, JSON_QUERY, and JSON_ARRAY_APPEND allow users to manipulate and query JSON documents. MariaDB has made strides in improving its compatibility with MySQL's JSON functions. Through plugins that, the existing MySQL JSON features within its environment are facilitated.

MariaDB vs MySQL: Replication Features Comparison

1. MariaDB

• Galera Cluster enables multi-master synchronous replication. This technology allows multiple database servers to maintain identical copies of data.

• The support for multiple primary servers in MariaDB is a huge advancement. This feature allows different servers to accept write operations simultaneously. It distributes the workload effectively across multiple nodes.

• Such capability is particularly valuable for large-scale Magento deployments. These handle high transaction volumes and require failover mechanisms.

• Parallel replication execution allows multiple threads to apply replication events simultaneously. It improves replication performance. For stores with heavy write operations, replication lag can be substantially reduced.

• MariaDB also offers semi-synchronous replication options. It provides a balance between data consistency and performance. This feature ensures that at least one replica acknowledges receipt of the transaction. It happens before it is committed on the primary server.

2. MySQL

• Selective database and table replication gives admins control over their replication strategy. This flexibility allows Magento stores to replicate only essential data. It reduces network overhead and storage requirements. They can choose specific databases or tables to replicate. It optimizes system resources based on business needs.

• Data security is improved through MySQL's backup services on replicas. This feature allows organizations to perform backup operations on replica servers. It is done without impacting the performance of the primary database. It ensures that Magento stores can maintain regular backups while keeping the central database responsive.

• Organizations can run resource-intensive reporting queries on replica servers. It leaves the primary server free to handle essential e-commerce operations.

FAQs

1. Which is better for Magento: MariaDB or MySQL?

MariaDB and MySQL are both excellent options for Magento. The choice depends on your needs. MariaDB is known for better performance. It is excellent in replication and scalability. MySQL is more commonly used and supported by Magento 2. MariaDB may provide advanced features and better optimization.

2. What’s the difference between MySQL 5.7.9 and MariaDB 10.2?

MySQL 5.7.9 is a stable version with many improvements in performance, security, and features. It includes MySQL features like advanced indexing and query optimization. MariaDB 10.2 is a fork of MySQL. It offers enhanced capabilities like improved replication and more storage engines. This makes it a good choice for Magento 2 database optimization.

3. How does Percona improve MySQL performance for Magento?

Percona is a well-known company that provides advanced tools for MySQL performance. Using Percona with MySQL can help with reindexing and optimizing database queries. It is necessary for Magento's performance. It can improve your Magento store’s speed. This is true when dealing with large amounts of data or complex catalog structures.

4. How can I optimize the Magento 2 database for better performance?

To improve Magento 2 database performance, focus on tuning MySQL config. It is done using cache and considering Magento MySQL database indexing options. Tools like mysqltuner and optimizing your database queries can boost performance. Also, Magento 2 MySQL supports advanced features that help with scaling stores effectively.

5. Does Magento support MariaDB?

Yes, Magento supports MariaDB, and it can be a good alternative to MySQL. This is especially true in environments requiring high scalability. Starting with Magento 2.4, MariaDB is supported out of the box. However, MariaDB 10.2 and newer versions offer better performance and optimization guides.

Summary

Magento MariaDB vs MySQL offers a unique perspective into both platforms and their offerings. In this article, we compare the performance and security capabilities of both systems. Here is a quick recap:

• MariaDB offers better performance than MySQL.

• MySQL version 5.7.9 supports powerful database features.

• Percona tools optimize MySQL performance for Magento.

• MariaDB 10.2 supports advanced features and scalability.

• Magento 2.4 supports MariaDB for database management.

Choose managed Magento hosting with MariaDB for optimized performance and scalability.