What is MySQL?

Behind many of the world’s websites, applications, and platforms is a database quietly storing and organizing critical data and one of the most popular tools for doing that is MySQL. If you’ve ever wondered what MySQL is and how it’s used, this guide offers a clear, practical explanation.

MySQL: Meaning and Definition

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that allows users to store, retrieve, and manage structured data using a programming language called SQL (Structured Query Language).

The meaning of MySQL lies in its name: “My” comes from the name of the co-founder's (Michael Widenius) daughter, and “SQL” stands for Structured Query Language. It’s used by developers and organizations worldwide to power everything from blogs to enterprise applications, especially those needing to organize large sets of data in a structured, consistent way.

In short, MySQL makes it possible to organize your business’s data in rows and tables, perform queries, and power data-driven software systems reliably and securely.

How MySQL Works

MySQL uses a structured format to store data in tables, where each table consists of columns (fields) and rows (records). It follows a relational model, meaning data in one table can relate to data in another, making it ideal for tracking things like customers, orders, or inventory.

You can interact with a MySQL database by writing SQL commands, such as:

• SELECT to retrieve data
  
  
• INSERT to add data
  
  
• UPDATE to change data
  
  
• DELETE to remove data

These commands give developers precise control over how data is handled and displayed across applications.

Why MySQL Is Popular for Business Applications

MySQL has been a go-to database for decades and for good reason. It’s:

• Open source and free to use
  
  
• Fast and reliable under high workloads
  
  
• Compatible with most programming languages and platforms
  
  
• Scalable for applications ranging from small internal tools to massive platforms
  
  
• Secure, with built-in access control and encryption options

It’s used across industries, from ecommerce to finance to SaaS, and remains a top choice for structured data storage and retrieval.

Using MySQL with Noloco

Connect your MySQL database to Noloco and build apps on top of it, no code required.

With Noloco, you can integrate your existing MySQL database and instantly turn it into a secure, user-friendly app. Whether you're building a back office tool, internal CRM, or client portal, you can use your structured MySQL data as the foundation—without needing to build a front end from scratch.

Pair that with Noloco’s workflow builder, role-based permissions editor, and intuitive interface builder, and you have a complete toolkit for building modern apps on top of your existing infrastructure.

Explore more key concepts in our glossary to better understand the tools that power modern no-code development.