Why MySQL Still Appears in XAMPP Despite XAMPP Now Using MariaDB

When the XAMPP control panel displays MySQL, does it mean that XAMPP is still using the MySQL database system? Not necessarily, as the reality is a bit more nuanced. This article will delve into the details of why MySQL still shows in the XAMPP control panel despite XAMPP now using MariaDB, a popular fork of MySQL.

The Complicated Relationship Between MariaDB and MySQL

MariaDB, a fork of MySQL, maintains the same binary names and includes MySQL's command names, folders, and binaries. This is because MariaDB was designed to be largely compatible with MySQL. However, despite this compatibility, MariaDB is not drop-in compatible due to various changes made to improve the database system. This means that while the appearance remains the same, the underlying functionality and structure are different.

The Fork and its Origin

MariaDB is an independent project with its own codebase and community, separate from MySQL. The fork was initiated by Monty Widenius, one of the original founders of MySQL, in 2009. The main reason for this fork was the acquisition of MySQL by Oracle in 2010, which raised concerns about the stewardship of the project and its future development.

Monty, alongside a community of developers, decided to start the MariaDB project with the aim of preserving a version of the database system that would not be controlled by Oracle. This decision led to a significant departure from the original MySQL, though the initial goal was to maintain compatibility with the original code.

The Evolution of Database Management

The history of MySQL is a story of growth and evolution. MySQL was first released in 1995 and gained widespread popularity beginning in 1998. Its popularity was driven by its open-source nature, which allows anyone to use, modify, and contribute to the code. This open source model made MySQL a powerful tool for web application development and became a cornerstone for companies like Facebook and Google.

However, the acquisition of MySQL by Oracle in 2008 and the subsequent acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle in 2010 created uncertainty among the MySQL community. This uncertainty prompted the creation of MariaDB, a project that sought to preserve the spirit and functionality of MySQL while also addressing its limitations and challenges.

Competing Products and Divergence

While MariaDB and the new versions of MySQL (provided by Oracle) coexist, they represent different paths in database management. Oracle's MySQL is a fully featured, paid product with a different set of priorities and development goals compared to the open-source MariaDB. This divergence has led to the development of specialized storage engines like RocksDB, used by companies such as Twitter and Facebook, which are now competing with traditional relational database systems.

The transition from MySQL to MariaDB in the XAMPP control panel reflects the ongoing evolution of database technology and the changing landscape of open-source software. It highlights how different forks and versions of a project can serve distinct needs and purposes, even though they share the same name and many of the same commands.

Understanding the history and current state of MySQL and MariaDB can help developers and users make informed decisions about which database system to use for their specific needs. Whether it is for personal projects, large enterprises, or web applications, the choice between MySQL, MariaDB, and other alternatives will depend on factors such as cost, functionality, community support, and the specific requirements of the project.

For developers and system administrators, becoming familiar with the forked versions and their differences can significantly impact the choice of database management system. Tools like XAMPP may reflect this transition, but the underlying compatibility and functionality remain key considerations.