🧩 Key Features of MySQL:

1. Relational Database:
2. Data is stored in tables and columns, making it easy to relate and organize data.
3. SQL (Structured Query Language):
4. You use SQL to interact with the database (like writing queries to fetch, update, or delete data).
5. ACID Compliance:
6. MySQL ensures data integrity with ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) for transactions.
7. Open Source:
8. MySQL is free to use, and its source code is available for anyone to inspect or modify.
9. Scalability and Performance:
10. MySQL can handle large amounts of data and can scale as your application grows.
11. Cross-Platform:
12. MySQL works on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

🔑 MySQL vs Other Databases:

1. MySQL is an RDBMS, meaning it’s structured in tables and rows.
2. It’s different from NoSQL databases like MongoDB, which store data in a more flexible, document-based format.
3. MySQL is often used for web applications, especially with frameworks like Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, and more.

🌐 Popular Use Cases for MySQL:

1. Web Development: MySQL is widely used to manage backend data for websites and web applications.
2. Content Management Systems (CMS): Many CMS like WordPress use MySQL to store content, users, settings, etc.
3. E-commerce: Stores product catalogs, customer data, and order history.