With so many relational database management systems available, it may be difficult to decide which one to choose. Especially for data scientists that are invested in data architecture and storage systems, working with SQL databases is one of the best options for structuring a dataset. Responding to the rise in big data projects, SQL databases employ the SQL programming language in order to query databases and organize information and data for some of the top companies around the world.

Commonly cited as the top SQL database management system, MySQL is known for its longevity and performance both within and outside of the world of data science. Operating within a vast ecosystem of Oracle products, MySQL is a highly compatible data science tool. Whether you are interested in data scientists or development, every data scientist interested in database design, management, and administration should know more about MySQL.

What is MySQL?

Offered as one of many Oracle database services, MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that can be used when working with structured or unstructured data across platforms and operating systems. Known for its integration of Heatwave, MySQL has accelerated programming capabilities making it a database that is capable of handling a large quantity of complex data at a very high speed. Whether you are working on individual data science projects, in a team-based environment, or within the context of a large corporation, MySQL is a go-to product for both commercial and enterprise services.

Through a combination of products and services, such as MySQL Workbench, this database can be used for data modeling, design, visualization, and development. Inclusive of multiple data types, MySQL is also widely recognized as the top tool for data scientists and developers, currently ranked number one on the 2021 Stack Overflow Survey as the top database environment to work in. In addition, MySQL is known as the database of choice for companies and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Verizon. Training in MySQL has a high level of name recognition across industries.

MySQL for Data Science

Due to its popularity within so many fields and industries, there are several features that make MySQL an important tool for data science and development. MySQL is a valuable tool for data scientists because of unique features such as the MySQL Cluster and Cloud Services, as well as the MySQL Certification and Training Services.

MySQL Cluster and Cloud Services

Of the many products and services offered as part of the Oracle MySQL ecosystem, MySQL Cluster is one of the tools which are especially useful for working within a larger system. While it is possible to work within a single database, many companies and institutions use multiple databases to collect and store all of their information and data. Clustered databases allow you to work with multiple databases at the same time in a community of nodes. Through MySQL Cluster, you can create or work with this type of clustered database system and learn more about database architecture.

Another feature of MySQL which is useful to data scientists is the cloud capabilities of the platform. These cloud services ensure that the data stored with MySQL is not only safe and secure but also easily transferred from one space to the other. MySQL is compatible with several cloud-based tools such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. This ensures that if you are working on a project with multiple products or software there will be little difficulty with data migration or working on the project in another environment.

MySQL Services, Certification, and Training

In addition to the database management system, MySQL offers multiple services for individuals and industry professionals that are interested in learning more about the database or utilizing it in a project. For example, the MySQL Consulting Services allows users of the software to work with the MySQL team to create solutions for their business or big data project. These services include, but are not limited to, creating a strategy for data architecture and design, recommendations on how to work with MySQL, as well as feedback on how a business is, or should be, managing their database and/or datasets.

While you can receive training in many relational database management systems, MySQL is unique in not only having established its own instructional resources but an entire certification program. Through Oracle University, MySQL offers courses and guides from industry experts through interactive online instruction. Geared towards students and professionals that are pursuing a career in database administration and development, the MySQL Certification Program is also useful to data scientists that want to gain expertise in database design and management. Especially if you are interested in pursuing a career in information and data science, or specialization in systems and technology, expanding your knowledge of MySQL is useful to have within a more well-rounded data science portfolio.

Want to learn more about MySQL?

While MySQL offers its own training courses and certification programs, students and professionals that want to learn more about how to incorporate database design into their data science toolkit can take one of Noble Desktop’s data science courses. The Data Science Certificate focuses on how to clean and organize data, as well as how to query relational databases. This certificate program also offers many of the tools that you will need to pursue career opportunities as a data scientist or analyst.

Viewed as the top-ranked relational database management system, knowledge and training in MySQL is an incredibly valuable data science skill. If you are interested in learning more about relational databases, any one of Noble Desktop’s SQL courses will expand your knowledge of these data science tools. The SQL Bootcamp prepares you with the foundation of working with SQL and relational databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server. Overall, pairing knowledge of data science with an understanding of database design opens up a variety of career paths and employment opportunities for data science students and professionals alike.