MariaDB is a rebranded version of MySQL that comes with professional support tailored for businesses. It serves as a branch of the MySQL database management system and is predominantly maintained by the open-source community, operating under the GNU General Public License (GPL). MariaDB has been designed to ensure full compatibility with MySQL, encompassing APIs and command-line interfaces, which facilitates its use as a seamless replacement for MySQL.
In terms of storage engines, MariaDB opts for XtraDB instead of MySQL’s InnoDB. This choice enhances the system’s performance and reliability. Moreover, while MariaDB remains open source, businesses can avail themselves of professional support services, provided by specialized companies. These services encompass various aspects, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, to ensure the smooth operation of MariaDB in enterprise environments.