May 23, 1995

MySQL first released

Michael Widenius and David Axmark made the first MySQL release on May 23, 1995 — an internal mSQL-compatible SQLStructured Query Language — the standard language for querying relational databases. server; broader public distribution followed.

What it was for

MySQLMySQL powers LAMP stacks, WordPressA PHP CMS powering millions of sites — themes, plugins, and the block editor for publishing., early FacebookThe social network founded by Mark Zuckerberg — grew into Meta and reshaped online advertising., and countless web apps needing a simple relational store. TeamsMicrosoft Teams — chat, video calls, and Office integration for workplace collaboration. run `SELECT`, `JOIN`, and transactions for CRUD APIs and reporting. It became the default cheap SQLStructured Query Language — the standard language for querying relational databases. option before PostgreSQL's rise and cloud-managed databases.

Why it's here

MySQL made SQLStructured Query Language — the standard language for querying relational databases. databases accessible to every PHP and web hosting provider on the planet.

Why it mattered

Its speed and simple licensing defined the open-source database market for a decade.

What it solved

mSQL was too slow and closed; developers needed a fast SQLStructured Query Language — the standard language for querying relational databases. engine with a familiar APIApplication programming interface — a defined way for programs to talk to each other or to a service..

Media

  • MySQL
    ImageMySQL

    Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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