MariaDB vs MySQL: Differences and compatibility

MariaDB is a community-developed fork of MySQL created when MySQL (then owned by Sun) was acquired by Oracle. MariaDB aims to maintain compatibility while adding features. For most users, MariaDB and MySQL are interchangeable.

History and relationship

MySQL: Originally created in 1995 by Swedish developers. Acquired by Sun Microsystems (2008), then Oracle (2010). Open source but controlled by a single company.

MariaDB: Created by MySQL's original lead developer in 2009 when Oracle's acquisition sparked concerns about MySQL's future. 100% open source, community-driven. Fully compatible with MySQL.

Result: Today, MariaDB and MySQL are nearly identical for typical website use. MariaDB has more features but they rarely matter for WordPress, ecommerce, or standard applications.

Key differences

In plain terms: MariaDB usually performs similarly or better and is truly open source. MySQL is owned by Oracle but still free. For websites, the differences rarely matter.

Compatibility and switching

Can you switch from MySQL to MariaDB?

Yes, almost always seamlessly. MariaDB is designed to be a drop-in replacement.

# Backup your database first
mysqldump -u user -p password database_name > backup.sql

# Install MariaDB (replaces MySQL)
apt install mariadb-server

# Your data is automatically migrated
# Restore if needed
mysql -u user -p password database_name < backup.sql

Can you switch from MariaDB back to MySQL?

Usually yes, but less common. MariaDB's newer features won't work in older MySQL versions.

Is switching risky?

No. Both use standard SQL. Applications written for one work identically on the other. Always backup first, but switching is generally safe.

MariaDB and MySQL at UnderHost

Shared Hosting (cPanel): Uses MySQL by default. MariaDB available on request; contact support to switch.

Cloud VPS: You can install either. Most prefer MariaDB for better performance and community support.

Dedicated Servers: Choose during install, or switch anytime via SSH.

Which should you use?

Choose MariaDB if:

• You're setting up a new VPS and want the best community-maintained option
• You want native backup tools (mariabackup)
• You value community-driven development
• Your hosting provider recommends it

Choose MySQL if:

• Your application specifically requires MySQL (rare)
• You prefer Oracle's governance (debatable advantage)
• Your existing infrastructure is MySQL

For UnderHost customers: Use whatever your hosting plan comes with. Both work identically for WordPress, WooCommerce, Drupal, and most applications. The difference is negligible for websites.

Related: Database basics | Database optimization | MySQL user management