Data is everything. By extension, the same is true for databases. Here are some great open source options for your next awesome project.

For a world long dominated by database suites like Oracle and SQL Server, there are now seemingly endless solutions. Part of this is innovation driven by open source - truly talented developers wanting to scratch an itch and create something they can revel in.

Another part is the emergence of new htap database new business models, in which businesses maintain community versions of their products to gain mindshare and traction while also offering commercial add-ons.

result?

There are too many databases to keep up with. There are no official statistics on this yet, but I'm pretty sure that if you combine everything from stack-specific object databases to less popular projects in universities, we have over a hundred options available today.

I know; it scares me too. There are so many choices – so many documents to look through – and life is so short. ?

That’s why I decided to write this article about ten of the best databases you can use to improve your solutions, whether you’re building for yourself or for others.

NoMySQL

Please note: This list will not include MySQL, even though it is arguably the most popular open source database solution.

Why?

Simply because MySQL is everywhere - it's what everyone learns first, almost every CMS or framework supports it, and it works really, really well for most use cases. In other words, MySQL does not need to be "discovered". ?

That said, please note that the following is not necessarily a replacement for MySQL. In some cases they may be, and in other cases they are completely different solutions for completely different needs. Don’t worry, because I’ll discuss their uses as well.

Special Note: Compatibility

Before we get started, I also have to mention that compatibility is something you need to keep in mind. If your project, for whatever reason, only supports a specific database engine, your choice is pretty much made.

For example, if you are running WordPress, this article will be of no use to you. ? Likewise, those running static sites on JAMStack will find nothing if they look too seriously for alternatives.

It's up to you to figure out the compatibility equation. But if you have a blank slate and the architecture is up to you, here are some neat suggestions.