MySQL vs SQL

[Hilary]

I apologize for asking what to many is obvious, so obvious that it really isn't a question at all, and shouldn't be asked!

Well here goes.

Why do so many prefer MySQL over MS SQL server? Looking at the ads for server hosting, they all seem to use MySQL.

Why? Is it for costs? Reliability? Ease of use?
Is it because everybody does? Because MySQL is not Microsoft?

Enquiring minds want to know!

Hills

[Orjan]

mostly because the community version of MySQL is at no license cost. MS SQL does cost. additionally, MS SQL needs Windows Server to run which costs, MySQL can run on many platforms, especially linux, which is absolutely most used at hostings, as it, as MySQL, does not cost license money

[WingedPanther]

I would say licensing costs are the primary reason, as Orjan indicated. If you're going to pay for your database, you also have to ask the question: what about Oracle? It's even more expensive, but is also quite popular.

[QuackWare]

MySQL has a better, open community and is supported on many different platforms. It is also open source and seems to perform faster then it's Microsoft counterpart.

[Hilary]

Well, saving money is important

Thanks for the excellent responses.

Hilary

[DarkLordoftheMonkeys]

MySQL is open source.
MySQL is free.
MySQL works well with Apache and PHP.
MySQL also works will with other languages, such as Perl and Ruby.
MySQL is small in size.
MySQL is efficient.

[semprance]

Looking at the ads for server hosting, they all seem to use MySQL.

This is probably a major reason in itself. It wouldn't be cost effective for hosts selling space on shared servers to use proprietary alternatives. If you have a dedicated server or your own in-house server then you may consider other options depending on your needs (efficiency, compatibility, etc.)

[Orjan]

MySQL works well with Apache and PHP.
MySQL also works will with other languages, such as Perl and Ruby.

Well, most languages has good support for the major databases in some kind, so that isn't anything unique with MySQL. PHP has built in support for 20+ different RDBMS^Wiki, see PHP: Database Extensions - Manual for a list.