“Mysql is a semi-commercial database which enjoys widespread
popularity in the Linux community. MySQL is available for most
Linux platforms (i386, Sparc, etc), as well as a few non-Linux and
even non-Unix platforms.”
“Much of MySQL’s popularity stems from its relaxed, if slightly
unusual license.”
“Development of MySQL is continuing at a rapid pace. In fact,
the pace of development rivals that of most Open Source
projects.”
“MySQL has found a niche in the Linux world, providing
simplicity and speed, while still providing enough features to keep
programmers happy. Database programmers will like the query
functionality and wide array of client libraries. Database
administrators will find the system lacking major features, but may
find it useful for simple databases which don’t warrant spending
the cash for a big name database.”