MySQL Vs MariaDB for WordPress

Earlier, we used to suggest Percona MySQL for WordPress. At this moment, we are inclined towards MariaDB. Although MariaDB is a fork of the “original” MySQL, these two database management systems are quite different in certain aspects. In real life, except 1-2 features, you will unable to feel the difference between MariaDB, Percona and MySQL.

What Makes MySQL Different From MariaDB for WordPress?

MariaDB is backwards compatible, smaller, and performs faster queries. It can run on less powerful hardware. MariaDB is fully GPL licensed. Originally MariaDB was a drop-in replacement, now it has started to create distinction, especially with the release of MariaDB 10.2.

MySQL Enterprise Edition (paid) offers thread pooling capability of up to 200,000 connections but the same support is not available in MySQL Community Edition. Whereas MariaDB supports more than 200,000 connections. MariaDB supports new features like invisible columns and database views. Some of the most significant features of newer MariaDB are the support of JSON API, support of new storage engines, thread pooling, parallel data replication, Segmented Key Cache, and support virtual columns.

Tuning a MariaDB setup is almost the same as MySQL, but with some differences as it differs in some of its approaches and features.

Which One is Good for WordPress?

All three MySQL, MariaDB and Percona are good. But MariaDB is a great fit for WordPress for a few extra features including caching.

Migrating from MariaDB to MySQL may not be easy or just easy (depending on the setup). So, if you want to migrate, you should think it now or later will be more difficult.

Michael Widenius (61 years old, at centre in the photo) is the lead developer of both MySQL and MariaDB. Widenius has three children – My (left-hand side), Max (not in photo), and Maria (right-hand side). He has one ex-wife and one present wife.

MariaDB’s Maria is from the first name of the youngest daughter. The My of MySQL comes from the first name of his eldest daughter. MaxDB’s Max the name of his only son. He lives in Kauniainen, Finland with his second wife Anna and his youngest daughter, Maria.