[Novalug] NOVALUG meets Saturday: MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL

[Peter Larsen]

Kevin Chin wrote:
> Well, this may be obvious... but I've heard annecdotally that MySQL and 
> Postgres are "missing" some more advanced database features that 
> proprietary DB's like Oracle have.  Maybe it's FUD, maybe it's fact.  Is 
> this true?  Isn't a database, just a database?  What are some of the 
> major differences?  Better yet, what's an example/use case of when you 
> might prefer one DB over another?

Great subject. Personally I'm interested in what features are now 
available on the open source systems.

Without taking too much advantage on the discussion. Comparing a 18 
wheeler with a small '92 ford "pick me up" can of course be done. And 
they can both travel from A to B. However, the difference is all in what 
you need to haul. If your load is small then why go for the full 
18-wheeler which will set you back a good fortune when the '92 ford 
"pick me up" can get had for very little money??

The trick is in the balance.

Btw. I'm going to get a handful or more CD's made with Oracle's FREE (as 
in beer) XE version. I'm going to have to read up on it, cause I've not 
really used it; but if anyone is interested I'll have it at the meeting. 
Unfortunately, Oracle only distributes the files in RPM format (and DEP) 
so you'll need a redhat/fedora like distribution to install it.

> If you have a large data set and need to have fast write capabilities to 
> update the data, would one DB have an advantage over another (maybe 
> because of design or optimization)?

hehe - good discussion. I see foundation for a "fist fight" ;)

Regards
   Peter Larsen
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