MySQL is a popular choice of database for use in web applications, and is a central component of the widely used LAMP open-source web application software stack (and other "AMP" stacks). LAMP is an acronym for "Linux, Apache, MySQL,Perl/PHP/Python". Free-software open-source projects that require a full-featured database management system often use MySQL. Applications that use the MySQL database include: TYPO3, MODx, Joomla, WordPress, phpBB, MyBB, Drupal and other software. MySQL is also used in many high-profile, large-scale websites, including Google[12][13] (though not for searches),Facebook,[14][15][16]Twitter,[17]Flickr,[18] and YouTube.[19]
On all platforms except Windows, MySQL ships with no GUI tools to administer MySQL databases or manage data contained within the databases. Users may use the included command line tools,[20][21] or install MySQL Workbench via a separate download. Many third party GUI tools are also available.
The MySQL server software itself and the client libraries use dual-licensing distribution. They are offered under GPL version 2,[24] beginning from 28 June 2000[25] (which in 2009 has been extended with a FLOSS License Exception)[26] or to use a proprietary license.[27]
Support can be obtained from the official manual.[28] Free support additionally is available in different IRC channels and forums. Oracle offers paid support via its MySQL Enterprise products. They differ in the scope of services and in price. Additionally, a number of third party organisations exist to provide support and services, including MariaDB and Percona.
MySQL has received positive reviews, and reviewers noticed it "performs extremely well in the average case". and that the "developer interfaces are there, and the documentation (not to mention feedback in the real world via Web sites and the like) is very, very good".[29] It has also been tested to be a "fast, stable and true multi-user, multi-threaded sql database server"
