Many people feel that SQL is the better choice, although there is a large amount of debate. While they both are utilized to manage and store data through a user interface, they have some stark differences that has made SQL  the preferred option.

Both SQL  and MySQL hosting gives you access to data through standard based protocols and they both support all of the major protocols.

The programming language that is used to communicate with the database is known as tSQL or Transact SQL.  This allows users to modify data by deleting, inserting, and updating.

tSQL follows ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines, which is where some concerns about MySQL are raised.  MySQL does not completely follow the ANSI guidelines and standards.

The tools that accompany both SQL  and MySQL are different as well.  MySQL focuses more on selecting, displaying, updating, and saving data; however, falls short when it comes to deleting and inserting data.

If you are designing a medium to large database or are involved in commerce than SQL hosting stands far above MySQL.

A SQL server also has a number of additional standard features as well.  It supports User Defined Functions, Triggers, full Import/Export, Cursor Support, Stored Procedures, Transaction Support, and Full Join capabilities.

SQL servers also give you full control over your database.  Administrators can abstract database designs by utilizing SQL VIEWS.

Another great tool that puts you in control are UDF’s or User Defined Functions.  User Defined Functions allow you to create complex code and store it into a simple interface.

All of these SQL tools are in addition to the features that are also on MySQL.

While there are good arguments on both sides of the table, SQL seems to have the edge. It has all of the features that MySQL as well as many others.  It is also fully standardized based on the ANSI guidelines and offers a more simplified yet complete way to create and manage your databases.

If you are still trying to decide for yourself if SQL hosting is right for you, then there are a number of intense and informative forums discussions about this very issue.

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