CockroachDB vs MySQL

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL meets the reliable old workhorse of databases—it's not flashy, but it gets the job done without drama. Here's our take.

CockroachDB

Nice Pick

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL.

Pros

• Strong consistency across distributed nodes without manual sharding
• PostgreSQL wire protocol compatibility for easy migration
• Automatic data replication and rebalancing for high availability

Cons

• Higher latency compared to single-node databases due to distributed overhead
• Complex licensing and pricing can be a headache for scaling

MySQL

The reliable old workhorse of databases—it's not flashy, but it gets the job done without drama.

Pros

• Widely supported with extensive documentation and community
• Excellent performance for read-heavy workloads
• Easy to set up and manage with tools like phpMyAdmin

Cons

• Lacks some advanced features found in PostgreSQL
• Can struggle with complex queries and high concurrency

The Verdict

Use CockroachDB if: You want strong consistency across distributed nodes without manual sharding and can live with higher latency compared to single-node databases due to distributed overhead.

Use MySQL if: You prioritize widely supported with extensive documentation and community over what CockroachDB offers.

The Bottom Line

CockroachDB wins

The cockroach of databases: hard to kill, spreads everywhere, and surprisingly good at SQL.