Slashdot Mirror
What Is New In PostgreSQL 9.0
Jamie noted a blog that says "PostgreSQL 9.0 beta 2 just got released this week. We may see another beta before 9.0 is finally released, but it looks like PostgreSQL 9.0 will be here probably sometime this month. Robert Treat has a great slide presentation showcasing all the new features."
"Go Postgres!"
Indeed, PostgreSQL is such a great system, in a lot of ways its better than mySQL; I'm constantly amazed by the number of orgs that have never heard of it.
Python: 'And then suddenly you have a language which says "we're all stuck with whatever the whiniest coder wants".'
Well, both the real and "trollish" answer is, MySQL has been trying to catch up for almost five years now - and doesn't look like their even close.
PostgreSQL has been a better database for a long time now. The pull of MySQL isn't its technical prowess but its "dumbness." Simply put, MySQL provides a lot in exchange for very little. Its the go to database for people who have little DBA experience, don't know what makes for a good RDBMS, or is simply needing a database where ACID doesn't matter.
Basically MySQL is popular because its the low hanging fruit. Its generally everywhere and most people who need a database don't know any better. So they've heard something about MySQL and its available with their hosting company. That's generally all they needed to know. Of course that completely ignores the fact that for most every project, PostgreSQL provides a vastly superior solution. The down side is, to use PostgreSQL vs MySQL in these cases, you'd have to read all of a dozen pages or so (actually far less, but lets play devil's advocate). And for most, that's simply far too much to ask.
Its basically the lazy or ignorant DBA's database. Or a database where reliability doesn't matter. Or integrity isn't an issue. There certainly are places for those kinds of databases - its just that most who pick MySQL don't realize they've made those trade offs.