MariaDB
MariaDB is a community-developed, open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that is a fork of MySQL, created after concerns over Oracle's acquisition of MySQL. It maintains high compatibility with MySQL while adding new features, performance improvements, and enhanced security. It is widely used for web applications, data warehousing, and as a drop-in replacement for MySQL in many environments.
Developers should learn MariaDB when building or maintaining applications that require a reliable, scalable, and open-source SQL database, especially if they are migrating from MySQL or seeking better performance and community-driven development. It is ideal for use cases like e-commerce platforms, content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and cloud-based services where data integrity and high availability are critical.