MySQL is a DBMS, or database management system. It is developed, supported and distributed by Oracle, but since it is open-source it is freely available to anyone under the GPL. MySQL databases are relational, meaning that the data is split up between tables. MySQL is very fast and lightweight so you can run it alongside your other applications on a desktop or laptop. It can also be scaled up to take advantage of all the CPU power and memory available on a dedicated machine. MySQL is constantly being updated and developed to include a wide array of useful and rich functions. This path will guide you through the basics of SQL and introduce MySQL relational databases, and by the end you'll be confident in creating and administering your very own database.
