Hey folks! I just finished a data analytics course where we used SQL Server. It was great on my old Windows laptop but now I’ve got a shiny new M1 Pro Mac. Problem is SQL Server doesn’t play nice with macOS.
I’m thinking of switching to MySQL since it runs smoothly on Macs. But I’m worried about the differences. How big of a change will it be? I really liked SQL Server.
I’m just starting out and probably won’t be dealing with massive databases or complex data architecture for a while. Am I overthinking this? Any advice for a newbie trying to choose between MySQL and SQL Server on a Mac would be awesome!
-- Example query in MySQL
SELECT customer_name, order_total
FROM orders
JOIN customers ON orders.customer_id = customers.id
WHERE order_date > '2023-01-01'
ORDER BY order_total DESC
LIMIT 10;
As someone who’s worked extensively with both MySQL and SQL Server, I can assure you that the transition won’t be too challenging. The core SQL concepts remain the same across both platforms. MySQL offers excellent performance and is well-supported on macOS, making it a solid choice for your situation.
One key difference to be aware of is the handling of stored procedures and functions. MySQL’s syntax for these can differ slightly from SQL Server. Additionally, some advanced features like window functions might have slight variations in implementation.
For your current skill level and requirements, MySQL should serve you well. It’s widely used in the industry and has a large community, which means plenty of resources and support available online. As you progress, you’ll find that the skills you develop with MySQL are largely transferable to other database systems, including SQL Server, should you need to use it in the future.
hey there! dont sweat it too much, mysql is pretty similar to sql server for basic stuff. i switched from sql server to mysql on my mac and it wasnt a big deal. the query you posted would work fine in mysql. just watch out for some minor syntax differences, but nothing major for a beginner. youll be fine!