🧠 Understanding Database Engines in RDS
Amazon RDS supports multiple database engines — think of them as the “flavors” of databases you can choose from depending on your project’s needs. Each one has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.
Let’s meet the family 👇
🍃 1. Amazon Aurora
- 💪 Super-fast and fully managed relational database.
- 🌩️ Compatible with MySQL and PostgreSQL.
- ⚡ Delivers up to 5x performance of standard MySQL.
- 🧩 Great for modern cloud apps that need high scalability.
Use it if: You want enterprise-level performance without managing the underlying infrastructure.
🐬 2. MySQL
- 🧠 One of the most popular open-source databases.
- 💼 Supported by tons of applications and frameworks.
- 🔁 Easy to migrate from local or on-prem MySQL to RDS.
Use it if: You already use MySQL locally or for web apps like WordPress, Laravel, etc.
🦉 3. PostgreSQL
- 🔒 Extremely reliable and advanced open-source DB.
- 📊 Handles complex queries, analytics, and geospatial data.
- 🧰 Supports advanced features like JSON, triggers, and custom functions.
Use it if: You need flexibility, data integrity, and rich features for modern web apps.
🪶 4. MariaDB
- 👨💻 A MySQL fork created by its original developers.
- 🧩 Fully compatible with MySQL clients and tools.
- 🔋 Often faster in certain workloads and queries.
Use it if: You want MySQL-like functionality but with more openness and performance tweaks.
🏦 5. Oracle
- 💼 Enterprise-grade commercial database.
- ⚙️ Supports complex transactions, analytics, and automation.
- 💰 Comes with licensing costs (unless you bring your own license).
Use it if: You’re running enterprise apps that already rely on Oracle.
🪄 6. SQL Server
- 🪟 Built for Windows-based environments.
- 📈 Great for .NET applications or Microsoft-heavy infrastructures.
- 🧩 Supports features like SSRS, SSIS, and SQL Agent.
Use it if: Your applications are already built using the Microsoft ecosystem.