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MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that stores and manages structured data in tables. It is not a programming language itself, but it uses the Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with and manage data.

How MySQL works

MySQL operates on a client-server model:

Server: The MySQL software runs on a server, where it stores and manages the data in databases.

Client: Users interact with the server through a client application, which can be a command-line tool, a graphical user interface (GUI) like MySQL Workbench, or another program.

SQL: The client sends commands written in SQL to the server to perform actions, and the server returns the requested information.

Key concepts

Relational database: MySQL stores data in one or more tables, which are organized into rows and columns. The relationships between tables are defined by rules, ensuring data integrity.

Structured Query Language (SQL): This is the standard language used to communicate with relational databases. In MySQL, you use SQL commands to: Retrieve specific information (data queries). Manipulate data (add, delete, or modify records). Define the database structure, such as tables and columns.

Database: In MySQL, a database is a central repository for a structured collection of data, such as a catalog of products for an e-commerce site.

Open-source: MySQL is free to use and modify under the GNU General Public License (GPL), with a commercial version also available. This has led to a large community of users and developers.