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Page 1 of 2 MySQL
(MY SQL)
Pronounced "my S-Q-L" or "my see-quill," is a very popular open source, relational DBMS from MySQL AB,
Uppsala, Sweden (www.mysql.com) that runs under various versions of Unix and
Windows and Mac. Widely used for Web applications and embedded applications,
MySQL is available for free from MySQL AB under the GNU license as well as for
a fee without restrictions. MySQL includes a C/C++ interface. There are also
ODBC and JDBC drivers available, and many scripting languages (Perl, Python, TCL,
etc.) support it. The MySQL programming interface (API) is a superset of the C
API for mSQL, which was developed by David Hughes in 1994. 
What is a database?A database is an organized collection of data. The term originated within the computer industry, but its meaning has been broadened by popular use, to the extent that the European Database Directive (which creates intellectual property rights for databases) includes non-electronic databases within its definition. This article is confined to a more technical use of the term; though even amongst computing professionals, some attach a much wider meaning to the word than others.
One possible definition is that a database is a collection of records stored in a computer in a systematic way, such that a computer program can consult it to answer questions. For better retrieval and sorting, each record is usually organized as a set of data elements (facts). The items retrieved in answer to queries become information that can be used to make decisions. The computer program used to manage and query a database is known as a database management system (DBMS). The properties and design of database systems are included in the study of information science.
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