Download MySQL 5.1.30

MySQL is a relational database management system (RDMS) that runs as a server. It provides data storage capabilities for both desktop and web bases systems. MySQL's (Pronounced My-Ess-Cue-Ell, and not My Sequel) popularity stems from its open source origins and the ability for users to gain access to the source code to make their own modifications and improvements.

Since its initial release in May 1995, MySQL has not only gained popularity, but gained the respect of both users and competitors alike. Its use on the Web is tied to its use in combination with the PHP programming language and the fact that many well trafficked systems have been built using MySQL and PHP. Some of these include Wordpress blogs, Joomla! content management systems, Facebook, Google, and YouTube.

MySQL is available on many platforms including Windows, Linux, and Mac, and is licensed under the GNU General Public License with updates released around once a month. Even with this, there are many older versions that are still functioning and serving their users well.

Version 3.23, first released in 2001, a widely used version that was somewhat limited compared to other RDMS's of the time, was very well thought of and really put MySQL in the public's eye. Version 4 first released in March of 2003, added unions, R-Trees, B-Trees, subqueries, and prepared statements. Version 5, released in October 2005, took MySQL to the big leagues with the addition of cursors, stored procedures, triggers, views, XA transactions, and other features.

Even while trying to catch up, and keep up with the commercial RDMS's, MySQL was also distinguishing itself with features that were not available in these other database systems. Features like custom storage engines, commit grouping, and having multiple storage engines that allow you to choose which one would be most effective for each table in the application.

The goal of the MySQL server system is, and has always been, to provide a very fast, multi-threaded, and robust SQL databases server. It is intended for mission-critical, heavy-load productions systems, as well as for embedding into mass-deployed software. And while, as with any software product, it is not always perfect, MySQL has proven itself year in and year out to be a reliable database management system.