Hi,

> > Yes well, at some levels, MySQL IS more and more ...
> >
> > For example, they have A LOT of build in functions. I know, Firebird
> > "doesn't want to clutter the engine" and has "external function
> libraries"
> > (so does MySQL), but hey, out of the box, you have more
> functionality
> > and some functions return info 'bout the connection, so it cannot be
> done
> > with Firebird external functions.
> >
> > MySQL has a cluster-ready solution.
> >
> > MySQL Stored Procedure and Triggers will use the SQL 2003 standard
> > language.
> >
> "Will"? Is it ready or it is a plan?

Currently being implemented in the v5 branch.

Another thing about MySQL development: they have more developers
and doing more things parallel.

> > MySQL has auto-inc fields.
>
> Bloody auto-incs. I hate them ;)

So do I :-)

> > MySQL has full-text-index functionality.
> >
> > MySQL comes with an out-of-the-box replication mechanism.
> >
> > MySQL has commands that show you all databases, the new v5 will
> > (eventually) implement the standard INFORMATION_SCHEMA views.
> >
> > MySQL has better security (including DDL privileges, network related
> > grants etc).
> >
> > MySQL has different table-types for different functionality. The
> latest
> > addition is a "CSV" table type to read/write CSV files.
> >
> > MySQL also includes LOAD tools, that can read CSV or fixed
> > length ASCII.
> >
> > MySQL also has a loyal following that doesn't know any better.
> >
> >
> >
> > All in all, MySQL is no longer a small-time database engine.
> >
>
> Ok, it is impressive list :), but there are also major benefits of FB
> over MySQL. If we made a doc which state that FB if better that MySQL
> for all points - it will be silly.
> As I hear from everywhere - MySQL is good as a back-end of sites - ok,
> let it be.

This was before MySQL supported transactions. The "innodb" table system
supports transactions and FKs.

> But FB is good in other aspects - that must state from a
> whitepaper Firebird vs. MySQL. The main auditory of such doc are
> developers.

The reason for my list is just to point out that MySQL isn't as simple as it
used to be :-) ... and development is going fast.

With regards,

Martijn Tonies
Database Workbench - developer tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL & MS SQL
Server
Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com