MySQL vs PostgreSQL: Performance, MVCC & Advanced Features | DataBase Design | Interview Guide

Dive into this detailed comparison of MySQL vs PostgreSQL, designed for learners and interview candidates. Discover their performance characteristics, concurrency models, MVCC implementation, and unique advanced features to confidently tackle database interview questions and make informed backend architectural decisions.

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Key Comparison Areas Covered:

1. Database Fundamentals & Use Cases
MySQL:

Pure relational DBMS.

Simplicity and speed, ideal for web apps and read-heavy workloads.

Multiple storage engines (InnoDB, MyISAM, etc.), tunable for specific performance or integrity needs.

MyISAM: super-fast reads, table-level locking (not ACID).

InnoDB: row-level locking, MVCC, ACID-compliant.

PostgreSQL:

Object-Relational DBMS (ORDBMS) with advanced features.

Best for complex apps, analytics, and write-heavy scenarios.

Strict ACID compliance for all operations.

Extensive custom types, inheritance, and standards compliance.

Strong vertical & horizontal scaling options (sharding, replication).

2. Performance & Scalability
MySQL:

Superior for simple read-heavy operations.

Caching strategies (query cache), binary log-based replication.

Clustered solutions for high availability (NDB Cluster).

Simple query execution paths for speed.

PostgreSQL:

Excels at complex queries and large datasets.

Advanced query optimizer examines multiple execution strategies.

Multiple indexing options: B-tree, Hash, GiST, GIN, BRIN.

Efficient table partitioning and sharding for scaling.

Handles a higher degree of concurrency, especially for analytics.

3. MVCC & Concurrency Control
PostgreSQL MVCC:

Universal across all tables and transactions.

Transactions get unique IDs (XIDs), rows versioned for visibility.

Each transaction sees a consistent snapshot; readers never block writers.

Data integrity and throughput are maximized.

MySQL MVCC:

InnoDB engine supports MVCC and row-level locks.

MyISAM uses table-level locks and doesn't support true MVCC/ACID.

InnoDB ensures atomic, isolated transactions but still depends on engine configuration for full integrity.

4. Advanced PostgreSQL Features
Table Inheritance:
Model hierarchical data efficiently (child tables inherit columns from parent tables).

Custom Data Types:
Define custom domains and composite types for expressive, constraint-rich schemas.

Security Features:
SCRAM-SHA-256 authentication, role-based access, row/column-level security, SSL/TLS connections, pgcrypto for column-level encryption.

Auditing & Monitoring:
Powerful logging, pg_stat_statements for performance analysis, audit trails for compliance.

5. Data Types & Extensibility
PostgreSQL:
Broader range—arrays, JSONB, geometric, hstore—custom types, domains, composite types.

MySQL:
Covers all basics, now supports JSON but lacks many of PostgreSQL's advanced data handling features.

6. Which Should You Choose?
MySQL: Lightweight, fast for simple read-intensive workloads, easier learning curve, ideal for web and mobile projects.

PostgreSQL: Robust for complex queries, high concurrency, analytics, strict data integrity, powerful extensibility.

Keywords for Ranking:
MySQL vs PostgreSQL, database performance comparison, MVCC, concurrency control, ACID, table inheritance, custom data types, PostgreSQL indexing, security in databases, backend interview prep, query optimization, relational databases, data integrity, extensible databases, analytics

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