IBM Informix vs MySQL: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this markdown, we will compare and provide key differences between IBM Informix and MySQL for website use.

1. Storage Engine: The first major difference between IBM Informix and MySQL is their default storage engines. IBM Informix uses a storage engine called IDS (Informix Dynamic Server), which is optimized for online transaction processing (OLTP) workloads. On the other hand, MySQL supports multiple storage engines including InnoDB, MyISAM, and more. InnoDB, the default engine for MySQL, offers features like support for transactions, foreign keys, and row-level locking, making it suitable for both OLTP and OLAP workloads.

2. Data Replication: Another important difference is in their data replication capabilities. IBM Informix provides a built-in high-availability and disaster recovery solution called HDR (High Availability Data Replication), which allows for automatic failover and replication of data across multiple replicas. MySQL, on the other hand, offers various replication mechanisms such as master-slave replication and group replication. These replication methods provide a means to replicate data but do not offer the same level of built-in high availability as IBM Informix's HDR.

3. Data Partitioning: IBM Informix and MySQL also differ in their approach to data partitioning. Informix provides a built-in feature called Fragmentation, which allows for distributing data across multiple physical or logical data containers for enhanced performance and manageability. MySQL, on the other hand, offers table partitioning, which allows for dividing a table into smaller, more manageable partitions based on specific criteria such as range, list, or hash. Both approaches have their own benefits and considerations, depending on the specific use case.

4. SQL Syntax: When it comes to SQL syntax, IBM Informix and MySQL also display some differences. Informix is known for its non-standard SQL syntax and extends the standard SQL with additional features and functionalities. MySQL, on the other hand, follows the SQL standard more closely, although it does offer some proprietary extensions as well. Developers familiar with standard SQL might need to adapt their queries and syntax when switching between Informix and MySQL.

5. Transaction Isolation Levels: The isolation levels offered by IBM Informix and MySQL also differ. Informix supports the default SQL isolation levels like Read Committed and Repeatable Read but also provides an additional isolation level called Serializable, which guarantees that concurrent transactions do not affect each other's results. MySQL, on the other hand, supports the standard SQL isolation levels but does not offer the Serializable level. The choice of isolation level depends on the specific requirements of the application and the degree of transaction concurrency.

6. Database Administration Tools: Lastly, there are differences in the database administration tools available for IBM Informix and MySQL. Informix provides a comprehensive set of tools like Informix Server Administrator (ISA), Informix Command Line (SQL), and Informix Storage Manager (ISM), which provide options for managing and monitoring the Informix database environment. MySQL, on the other hand, offers tools like MySQL Workbench and the MySQL command line client for database administration tasks. These tools provide functionality for tasks such as schema management, performance tuning, and monitoring for MySQL databases.

In summary, IBM Informix differs from MySQL in terms of storage engine options, data replication capabilities, data partitioning methods, SQL syntax, transaction isolation levels, and the database administration tools available.