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MySQL vs PostgreSQL

The ultimate technical deep-dive comparison for 2025. Architecture analysis, performance benchmarks, feature comparison, and real-world decision framework to choose the right database for your project.

Performance AnalysisArchitecture DiagramsMigration GuideCost Analysis

MySQL

The World's Most Popular Database

1995
Released
8.0
Latest Version
47%
Market Share
C/C++
Written In
Excellent for web applications
Simple setup and maintenance
Outstanding read performance

PostgreSQL

The Most Advanced Open Source Database

1986
Released
16
Latest Version
13%
Market Share
C
Written In
Advanced SQL features
Superior data integrity
Extensible architecture

Architecture Deep Dive

MySQL ArchitectureConnection PoolParser & OptimizerInnoDBMyISAMFile System & LogsPostgreSQL ArchitecturePostmaster ProcessBackend ProcessesShared Memory & BuffersMVCC Storage & WAL

MySQL Architecture Insights

  • Pluggable storage engines allow optimization for specific use cases
  • Connection pooling handles high-concurrency web applications efficiently
  • Query cache improves performance for repeated read operations

PostgreSQL Architecture Insights

  • Process-based architecture provides better isolation and stability
  • Shared memory buffers optimize data access across processes
  • WAL (Write-Ahead Logging) ensures ACID compliance and crash recovery

Performance Benchmarks (Operations/Second)

Simple SELECT
MySQL: 95%PostgreSQL: 88%
Complex JOINs
MySQL: 72%PostgreSQL: 91%
INSERT (bulk)
MySQL: 89%PostgreSQL: 76%
UPDATE (indexed)
MySQL: 84%PostgreSQL: 82%
JSON Operations
MySQL: 65%PostgreSQL: 94%
Full-Text Search
MySQL: 70%PostgreSQL: 92%

Comprehensive Feature Analysis

Core Database Features

ACID Compliance
With InnoDB
Always
PostgreSQL ↑
Transaction Isolation Levels
4 Levels
4 Levels + SSI
PostgreSQL ↑
MVCC Implementation
InnoDB Only
Native
PostgreSQL ↑
Foreign Keys
InnoDB Only
All Engines
PostgreSQL ↑

Advanced SQL Features

Window Functions
8.0+
Extensive
PostgreSQL ↑
CTEs (WITH clause)
8.0+
Recursive + Writable
PostgreSQL ↑
Array Data Type
JSON Arrays
Native Arrays
PostgreSQL ↑
Custom Data Types
Limited
CREATE TYPE
PostgreSQL ↑

Performance & Scaling

Read Performance
Excellent
Very Good
MySQL ↑
Write Performance
Very Good
Good
MySQL ↑
Parallel Query
Limited
Advanced
PostgreSQL ↑
Partitioning
Good
Excellent
PostgreSQL ↑

JSON & NoSQL Features

JSON Support
Basic
JSONB + Indexing
PostgreSQL ↑
JSON Performance
Good
Excellent
PostgreSQL ↑
JSON Path Queries
Yes
Advanced
PostgreSQL ↑
Document Validation
Schema-less
Check Constraints
PostgreSQL ↑

Replication & High Availability

MySQL ReplicationMasterRead/WriteBinary LogSlave 1 (RO)Slave 2 (RO)Slave 3 (RO)Multi-Master OptionMaster AMaster BPostgreSQL ReplicationPrimaryRead/WriteWAL StreamingHot Standby 1(Read-Only)Hot Standby 2(Read-Only)Logical Replica(Different Schema)Cascading ReplicationCascading StandbyDownstream 1Downstream 2

MySQL Replication Features

Binary log-based replication
Master-slave and master-master topologies
GTID for consistent replication
MySQL Group Replication for HA

PostgreSQL Replication Features

WAL streaming replication
Hot standby with read-only queries
Logical replication for selective sync
Cascading replication support

Use Case Decision Matrix

E-commerce Platform

MySQL
  • Proven track record
  • Great with read-heavy workloads
  • Easy horizontal scaling
PostgreSQL
  • Better for complex inventory
  • Advanced JSON for product data
  • Strong consistency
Recommended: MySQL

Financial Application

MySQL
  • ACID with InnoDB
  • Good performance
  • Mature
PostgreSQL
  • Superior ACID guarantees
  • Complex transactions
  • Audit trails
  • Precision types
Recommended: PostgreSQL

Real-time Analytics

MySQL
  • Fast reads
  • Good for simple metrics
  • Memory tables
PostgreSQL
  • Window functions
  • Parallel queries
  • TimescaleDB extension
  • Materialized views
Recommended: PostgreSQL

Content Management

MySQL
  • WordPress/Drupal native
  • Fast content delivery
  • Simple schema
PostgreSQL
  • Overkill for simple CMS
  • More complex setup
Recommended: MySQL

Microservices Backend

MySQL
  • Lightweight
  • Easy per-service DBs
  • Quick setup
PostgreSQL
  • Schema flexibility
  • JSON APIs
  • Foreign data wrappers
  • Logical replication
Recommended: PostgreSQL

Mobile App Backend

MySQL
  • Fast response times
  • Simple queries
  • Easy caching
PostgreSQL
  • Better for complex features
  • PostGIS for location
Recommended: MySQL

Security Feature Analysis

MySQL Security

SSL/TLS Encryption
Built-in support for encrypted connections
Role-Based Access Control
User and privilege management system
Audit Logging
Available in Enterprise edition only
Data Masking
Enterprise feature for sensitive data

PostgreSQL Security

Advanced Authentication
LDAP, Kerberos, SCRAM-SHA-256 support
Row Level Security
Fine-grained access control policies
Built-in Audit
pgAudit extension available for free
Column Encryption
Built-in cryptographic functions

Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

Licensing Costs

MySQL
Community: Free
Commercial: $5,000-$40,000/server
Enterprise: Custom pricing
PostgreSQL
Always Free
Enterprise support: $1,500-$15,000/year
Managed services: Variable

Operational Costs

MySQL
Easier to hire DBAs
Lower training costs
Simplified operations
PostgreSQL
Higher DBA expertise needed
More training required
Complex feature set

Long-term Value

MySQL
Predictable scaling costs
Lower infrastructure needs
Faster time to market
PostgreSQL
Reduced licensing costs
Future-proof features
Better data integrity ROI

Migration Strategies

MySQL → PostgreSQL

1. Assessment Phase
  • • Analyze stored procedures and triggers
  • • Check for MySQL-specific SQL syntax
  • • Review data types compatibility
2. Migration Tools
  • • pgloader (automatic schema conversion)
  • • AWS Database Migration Service
  • • mysql2postgres scripts
3. Common Challenges
  • • ENUM types → CHECK constraints
  • • AUTO_INCREMENT → SERIAL/IDENTITY
  • • Case sensitivity differences

PostgreSQL → MySQL

1. Compatibility Check
  • • Review PostgreSQL-specific features
  • • Check array and JSON usage patterns
  • • Analyze custom data types and functions
2. Migration Approach
  • • Manual schema recreation
  • • ETL tools like Talend or Pentaho
  • • Custom Python/PHP migration scripts
3. Key Considerations
  • • JSONB → JSON column type
  • • Window functions limited in older MySQL
  • • Advanced indexing features loss

Decision Framework Summary

Choose MySQL When:

  • Building web applications with high read loads
  • Simple data models with straightforward relationships
  • Team familiarity and faster development cycles matter
  • Budget constraints and licensing costs are concerns
  • Integration with existing LAMP/LEMP stacks

Choose PostgreSQL When:

  • Complex queries and advanced SQL features are required
  • Data integrity and ACID compliance are critical
  • Working with JSON, arrays, or custom data types
  • Analytics, data warehousing, or reporting systems
  • Future scalability and extensibility requirements

Key Takeaway

Both MySQL and PostgreSQL are excellent databases with their own strengths. The choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and long-term project goals. MySQL excels in simplicity and performance for web applications, while PostgreSQL shines in complex scenarios requiring advanced features and data integrity. Consider starting with a proof of concept to validate your choice with real workloads.

Ready to Make Your Choice?

Need help with database architecture, migration planning, or performance optimization? Let's discuss your specific requirements, mail me at hi@yssh.dev