# MySQL database: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that stores data in tables and is queried with SQL.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/mysql-database.html

# MySQL database

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that stores information in tables and is queried using the SQL language

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It is one of the most widely used engines on the web: content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal and Joomla, and many online shops, use it to store users, content, orders and settings. It is part of the classic LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP), although it works with many other systems and languages.

Oracle has owned it since 2010 and maintains a community edition alongside commercial ones. MariaDB began as a compatible fork led by its original creators. Compared with non-relational databases, MySQL is a good fit when data has a stable structure and clear relationships.

Also known as

MySQL

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [CMS](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/content-management-system.html)
- [Back-end development](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/back-end-web-development.html)
- [Open source](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/open-source.html)