3.4.1. PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB on Azure

💡 First Principle: Managed open-source databases combine the flexibility of open-source engines with Azure's automated infrastructure management. You keep your existing skills and code while Azure handles the operational burden.

Azure Database for PostgreSQL

• What It Is: Fully managed PostgreSQL as a service.
• Key Features: Supports advanced PostgreSQL features (JSON, GIS, full-text); independent scaling.
• 💡 First Principle: PostgreSQL is a hybrid relational-object database. You can store data in traditional relational tables, or use custom data types with non-relational properties (like JSONB for semi-structured data within a relational context).
• Use Case: Modern apps needing advanced SQL features, JSON integration.

Azure SQL Edge

• What It Is: A small-footprint, edge-optimized SQL engine.
• 💡 First Principle: SQL Edge is optimized for IoT scenarios that must work with streaming time-series data at the edge, even with intermittent connectivity.
• Use Case: IoT gateways, industrial automation.

Azure Database for MySQL

• What It Is: Fully managed MySQL as a service
• Key Features: Compatible with MySQL 5.7 and 8.0; read replicas for scaling.
• Use Case: LAMP stack applications (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), WordPress, Drupal.

Azure Database for MariaDB

• What It Is: Fully managed MariaDB as a service
• Use Case: Applications already using MariaDB.

Visual: Open Source Database Options