Comparing MariaDB vs. PostgreSQL. Which is right for you?

MariaDB and PostgreSQL are two widely used open-source relational database systems. MariaDB is known for its modular storage engines, seamless MySQL compatibility and high stability. PostgreSQL has gained a reputation for its extensive SQL functions, advanced analytical features and adaptability through extensions.

What are MariaDB and PostgreSQL?

MariaDB is a relational open-source database system that originated as a fork of MySQL in 2009 and has since evolved significantly, with major improvements in availability, compatibility and performance.

PostgreSQL is an object-relational database system that supports advanced data types such as JSON, arrays and GIS fields alongside classic table structures. It is considered highly reliable for complex queries, making it suitable for scientific research and complex data analysis. PostgreSQL began development at the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and was released as an open-source project in 1997.

Key features of MariaDB vs. PostgreSQL at a glance

What are the key features of MariaDB?

MariaDB offers numerous features that improve efficiency and flexibility. Key highlights include:

• Wide variety of storage engines: In addition to the standard InnoDB engine, MariaDB provides options such as Aria, TokuDB and FederatedX. This allows the database to be tailored to specific requirements.
• Efficient thread pooling: Instead of creating a new thread for every request, MariaDB maintains a pool of worker threads that can process queries quickly and deliver results faster.
• SQL compatibility: This particular database management system supports most SQL statements as well as more advanced features like JSON operators, window functions and Common Table Expressions.
• Virtual columns: Calculations can be performed directly in the database, eliminating the need to implement the same logic across clients.
• Parallel query execution: Since version 10.0, MariaDB has supported executing multiple queries in parallel without performance loss.

What are the key features of PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL also has a wide range of powerful features, including:

• JSON support: PostgreSQL can handle schema-less or evolving data models inside relational tables, enabling NoSQL workloads.
• Comprehensive feature set: These include Multi Version Concurrency Control (MVCC), point-in-time recovery, granular access controls and online backups. Extensions provide additional capabilities such as advanced indexing methods, custom data types and specialised operators.
• Real-time data updates: PostgreSQL can process updates in real-time using data federation and replication, reducing the need for traditional ELT/ETL processes.
• Quality-assured development: New updates are only included in the release cycle after passing extensive regression testing to ensure a stable release cycle.

What are some similarities when comparing MariaDB vs. PostgreSQL?

MariaDB and PostgreSQL share several important characteristics because they are both relational databases:

• Data model: Both follow a relational model, storing data in tables with rows and columns. MariaDB and PostgreSQL both support primary and foreign keys, along with a variety of data types and formats, robust data modelling and indexing for query performance.
• Open-source licence: Both are open-source projects, allowing developers to view, use and distribute the code freely. Both also have active communities that contribute to their ongoing development.
• Extensibility: Both systems can be extended. Users can create custom (or user-designed) functions (UDFs) for specific operations or add extensions for tasks such as geospatial processing.

What are the key differences when comparing MariaDB vs PostgreSQL?

Although MariaDB and PostgreSQL are both open-source relational databases, they differ in several key areas:

• Data model and data types: MariaDB stores data in traditional tables but also supports JSON and dynamic columns. PostgreSQL offers more advanced customisation options in terms of data types, functions, operators and supported programming languages.
• Performance: In terms of MariaDB vs PostgreSQL performance, both provide modern query optimisers for efficient query execution. MariaDB delivers solid performance in high throughput transactional workloads, whereas PostgreSQL is particularly effective when it comes to complex queries.
• Scalability: MariaDB primarily relies on vertical scaling but also offers options for horizontal scalability, such as Galera Cluster or the Spider Engine for horizontal partitioning. PostgreSQL provides more extensive options for horizontal scalability, including streaming, logical replication and logical sharding through table partitioning.
• Data input: MariaDB is more flexible with data typing and can automatically adjust data types to the target. This is particularly useful for varied data inputs. PostgreSQL is stricter in this regard and displays an error if incoming data doesn’t match the data type.
• Replication: MariaDB uses asynchronous replication. PostgreSQL supports both synchronous and asynchronous replication. In synchronous mode, data changes are immediately transferred to secondary databases. This ensures consistency even in the event of failures, though with slightly higher latency. MariaDB replica databases respond faster but sometimes lag behind the primary database.

What are the main use cases for MariaDB and PostgreSQL?

MariaDB is primarily used in transactional environments and analytical workloads. It is widely used for e-commerce platforms, booking and financial systems and data warehouse projects. These require fast OLTP operations (OLTP = Online Transaction Processing) combined with ad-hoc analysis of large datasets.

PostgreSQL is ideal for scenarios that demand advanced data modelling or special data types. Typical use cases include CRM and ERP systems, GIS and geospatial solutions, financial services and content management systems. PostgreSQL is also widely used in IoT platforms, scientific research and data mining. Thanks to its strong compliance with SQL standards, support for custom data types and functions, and active open-source community, PostgreSQL is well suited for long-term projects with unique requirements.