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Introduction
Hello Ninjas! Oracle and SQL Server are two of the world's most widely used RDBMS. Both offer robust features and capabilities for data storage, management, and security. While they share several similarities, there are also significant differences.
This article, will discuss the difference between Oracle and SQL Server and help us determine which is best suited for our needs.
RDBMS
Relational Database Management System, or RDBMS, is a software system that allows users to store, access, and manage structured data using relational databases.
RDBMS stores data in the form of tables, which are organized in rows and columns, and allows users to define relationships between different tables.
This structure allows for efficient and flexible data management and retrieval, making RDBMS a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. The most widely used RDBMS include Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
Oracle
The Oracle is an RDBMS that lets you manage information in a comprehensive and integrated way. It consists of two main components, the Oracle database and the Oracle instance.
It uses SQL to define and manipulate the database. It has three types of commands:
DDL:We can use Data Definition Language (DDL) commands to create and modify data. DDL commands include creating and modifying databases and tables.
DML:To update, delete, or retrieve data from a table, we can use Data manipulation language (DML) commands. DML commands include altering and fetching data.
PL/SQL:Oracle Server also includes a procedural language called PL/SQL. This language enables programmers to write SQL statements and control the flow of SQL programs. It also allows the use of variables and writing error-handling procedures.
Oracle allocates a System Global Area (SGA) whenever a database is started and launches background processes. The SGA is a memory area that stores database information shared by all users. The combination of background processes and memory buffers is called an Oracle instance. To learn more about the Oracle database, visit this blog.
SQL Server
It was developed by Microsoft. It was first released in 1989 and became one of the most widely used RDBMS in the world. SQL Server is known for their ease of use, scalability, and affordability, making them a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Like other RDBMS software, SQL Server uses SQL, a widely used programming language for managing relational databases. However, SQL Server is unique in that it relies on Microsoft's proprietary programming constructs called Transact-SQL (T-SQL). To know more about SQL, visit this blog.
SQL Server consists of two main components:
Database Engine:It is comprised of two main components: a relational engine that is responsible for processing queries and a storage engine that manages various aspects of database files, pages, indexes, and so on. Additionally, the Database Engine is responsible for creating and executing database objects such as stored procedures, views, and triggers.
SQLOS: Beneath the relational engine and storage engine lies the SQL Server Operating System, also known as SQLOS. It provides a range of operating system services, such as memory and I/O management, as well as exception handling and synchronization services.
Oracle Vs SQL Server
Let’s see some differences between Oracle and SQL Server:
Parameter
Oracle
SQL Server
Procedural Language
Oracle uses PL/SQL.
It uses T-SQL.
Developer
It was developed by Oracle.
It was developed by Microsoft.
Supported OS
It supports operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, OS X, etc.
It supports only Windows and Linux operating systems.
Cost
It is more expensive.
It is more affordable.
Performance
It is known for its scalability and ability to handle complex workloads.
It is known for its ease and speed of use, making it a popular choice for smaller businesses.
Security
It has a reputation for being highly secure, with features such as Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Advanced Security options.
It also offers strong security features, such as Always Encrypted and Row-Level Security.
Backup and Recovery
It offers various backup and recovery options, such as Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) and Data Guard.
It also offers several backup and recovery options, including Full, Differential, and Transaction Log backups.
Development tool
It uses Oracle Developer to create, manage, and maintain databases.
How do Oracle and SQL Server differ in terms of pricing and licensing?
Oracle is typically more expensive than SQL Server, and its licensing model is often considered more complex. SQL Server, on the other hand, is generally more affordable and easier to license.
Which platform offers better security and data protection, Oracle or SQL Server?
Both platforms, Oracle and SQL, offer robust security features, but Oracle is often considered to have a more advanced and comprehensive security model compared to SQL Server.
Can Oracle and SQL Server be used together in a single environment?
It is possible to use Oracle and SQL Server together in a single environment, but it requires additional setup and configuration.
Which is better for large-scale data management, Oracle or SQL Server?
Both platforms are capable of managing large-scale data, but Oracle is often preferred for more complex and mission-critical applications, while SQL Server is a popular choice for smaller to medium-sized businesses.
Can SQL Server run on different operating systems compared to Oracle?
While Oracle can run on multiple operating systems, SQL Server is only designed to run on Windows or Linux.
Conclusion
In this article, we learnt about two of the most popular RDBMS, Oracle and SQL Server and discussed the difference between Oracle and SQL Server. Both offer various features and capabilities for data storage, management, and security. Choosing between the two depends on factors such as the size of the business, the amount of data being stored, and the specific requirements of the application or platform.
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