The 2024 JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Report reaffirms what millions of developers already know: MySQL is the #1 database. According to the report, "MySQL continues to be the most widely used database, favored by developers across various domains for its reliability and ease of use." But what makes MySQL stand out among its competitors? From ease of use to enterprise-grade security and scalability, MySQL continues to dominate across various domains. Let’s break down the key reasons behind MySQL’s widespread adoption and why it remains the database of choice for developers and enterprises alike. 

Easy to Install and Get Started

One of MySQL’s biggest strengths is its quick and hassle-free installation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, setting up MySQL is a breeze:

• Lightweight Download: MySQL’s relatively small footprint ensures a quick download process.

• Fast Installation: Installs in just a few minutes with minimal configuration.

• Secure by Default: Modern MySQL versions come with security best practices enabled right out of the box.

• System Support: MySQL runs efficiently on a wide range of systems, making deployment straightforward.

Broad Platform Support 

MySQL’s cross-platform nature makes it ideal for diverse environments, including:

• Operating Systems: Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS.

• Containerized Environments: Seamless integration with Kubernetes and Docker for modern cloud-native deployments.

Simple Configuration for Optimal Performance

Tuning a database can be challenging, but MySQL makes it easier:

• InnoDB Dedicated Server Mode: Optimizes resource allocation for improved performance, ensuring MySQL makes the best use of available hardware.

Best-in-Class High Availability and Disaster Recovery

MySQL excels in high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) strategies:

• MySQL Shell: Simplifies setting up clusters, replicas, and read scale-out configurations.

• MySQL Router: Provides transparent failover and more, ensuring applications continue running without interruptions.

Blazing-Fast Performance with InnoDB

The InnoDB storage engine is optimized for speed and reliability:

• ACID Compliance: Ensures data integrity and transaction safety.

• Efficient Storage and Indexing: Improves query performance and optimizes disk usage.

Advanced GIS Capabilities

Since MySQL 8.0, Geographic Information System (GIS) support based on OpenGIS from the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has been significantly enhanced, making it a top choice for location-based applications.

Industry-Standard Security Guidelines

Security is a top priority for MySQL, adhering to best practices like:

• DISA STIG (Security Technical Implementation Guide)

  • The Department of Defense (DoD) approves and publishes the Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) for MySQL Enterprise Edition 8.0.

  • The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) evaluated MySQL Enterprise Edition against stringent DoD’s security requirements.

• Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmark 

  • CIS develops CIS Benchmarks, secure configuration and implementation guidelines used to safeguard against cyber threats.

  • The CIS MySQL Benchmark provides prescriptive guidance for establishing a secure configuration posture for MySQL Enterprise Edition 8.0.

Software supply chain security

• Strict processes in place provide assurances the builds, packages, and codes have passed through stringent controls, tests, and checks.

  • MySQL follows Oracles Strict Software Security Assurance Processes

Seamless Enterprise Integration & Extensions

Enterprises trust MySQL for its robust authentication and security features, including:

• Advanced Authentication Methods: LDAP, Kerberos, OpenID Connect.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Secure logins with biometric and device-based authentication via FIDO2 WebAuthn.

Loved by Developers: VS Code Integration

According to the JetBrains report, "VS Code remains one of the most popular IDEs for MySQL development, offering seamless integration and powerful database management tools." Developers love MySQL’s Visual Studio Code integration, which provides:

• Seamless Query Execution: Write and test queries directly in VS Code.
• Intuitive UI: Simplifies database management within a familiar development environment.
• Try it out.

First-Class JSON Support

Modern applications rely heavily on JSON for data exchange, and MySQL provides:

• Native JSON Data Type: Enables efficient storage and querying.

• Flexible Schema Design: Supports hybrid relational and document-based data models.

Proven at Scale: Uber’s Migration from PostgreSQL to MySQL

One of the strongest endorsements of MySQL’s performance and scalability comes from Uber’s decision to migrate from PostgreSQL to MySQL. Uber faced significant challenges with high write throughput and replication lag in PostgreSQL. After evaluating alternatives, they chose MySQL for its:

• Superior replication mechanisms that efficiently handle high transaction volumes.

• Better write performance and durability for mission-critical workloads.

• Scalability to support Uber’s growing data infrastructure.

Read the full story of Uber’s migration to MySQL: From PostgreSQL to MySQL – Uber’s Journey 

Conclusion

With its unmatched ease of use, high availability, security, and developer-friendly features, MySQL remains the #1 choice for businesses and developers worldwide. As the JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Report 2024 highlights, "MySQL’s continued dominance is a testament to its performance, reliability, and developer-friendly ecosystem." Whether you’re building a startup, managing an enterprise workload, or working with cloud-native applications, MySQL continues to evolve, setting the standard for modern databases. 

Read the full JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Report 2024 here: JetBrains Developer Ecosystem 2024

Ready to experience MySQL’s power? Download it today and see why it continues to lead the database landscape!