View source for Archive:PHP and MySQL Programming/Introduction to MySQL

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== Introduction to MySQL ==

MySQL, the most popular open source SQL database, is developed and provided by MySQL AB, a commercial company which gets its income from providing services around the MySQL database. The MySQL software delivers a very fast, multi-threaded, multi-user, and robust SQL database server, intended for mission-critical, heavy-load production systems as well as for embedding into mass-deployed software. 

The official way to pronounce MySQL is "My Ess Que Ell" (not "my sequal"). The derivation of the name MySQL is not perfectly clear, and remains a mystery to this day.

== MySQL Licenses ==

The MySQL software is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which is probably the best known open source license. The software is provided "as is" and is without any warranty.

The MySQL software has Dual Licensing, which means you can use the MySQL software free of charge under the GPL. You can also purchase commercial MySQL licenses from MySQL AB if you do not wish to be bound by the terms of the GPL.

You need to purchase commercial non-GPL MySQL licenses:

* If you distribute MySQL Software with your non open source software.
* If you want warranty from MySQL AB for the MySQL software.
* If you want to support MySQL development.