MySQL is proven secure

A recent study found that MySQL is a pretty secure database server. The study found 97 flaws, one of which was critical, but that is relatively small considering how many flaws are found in other commercial DB servers.

The low amount of flaws was attributed to the server being very well coded. The makers of MySQL take customer feedback very seriously and work quickly to correct errors. This has made MySQL a great choice for businesses and individuals alike to use it as a database server solution.

Coverity’s analysis of MySQL found an average of one bug in every 4,000 lines of code–results that are at least four times better than is typical with commercial software.

MySQL’s Zack Urlocker stated that “the open-source development process compels programmers to write cleaner code because the code will be seen and evaluated by others.” Even though I have stated that Linux isn’t as secure as everyone believes due to the low amount of reported flaws, I have always used and liked open source software. I am sceptical of the security of all software because it is coded by humans and humans make mistakes.

The only thing that worries me is if an open source OS becomes prevalent on desktops, who is going to verify the code? It would be easy for a malicious group to insert code into the kernel allowing unauthorized access (as seen in a previous kernel release). The Linux community needs to have every final release of a kernel ran through a security scan to verify that no malicious code is contained in it. If that is already in place, please leave me a comment showing me where I can find more information about it.

My personal experience with MySQL has been great. I use MySQL as the backend of my blog and I also use MySQL on my home/work desktop for use as a backend to my PHP pages (currently learning to create). I also run MS SQL Desktop and it uses a lot more resources (Windows XP Pro). I have also been an admin over MS SQL 2000 and MySQL installs on a Windows 2000 server. I like MS SQL but I don’t care for how much it uses in memory and in processing power.

04.Feb.05 Technology