Availability

MySql free downloads as source code or binaries (installable files) are available at

www.mysql.com

Open Source RDBMS

MySql

The MySQL is a multi-user, multi-threaded, SQL (Structured Query Language) database server by MySQL AB.
It supports standard SQL (ANSI), it compiles on a number of platforms. MySQL can be run as a service on Windows NT and as a normal process in Windows 95/98 machines.

The MySQL Database Software is a client/server system that consists of a multi-threaded SQL server that supports different backend, several different client programs and libraries, administrative tools, and a wide range of programming interfaces (APIs). MySQL Server also comes as a multi-threaded library which you can link into application to get a smaller, faster, easier-to-manage product.

MySql comes as a Dual Licensed software: as an Open source software under GNU General Public License and as standard commercial license
Being open source means that it is possible for anyone to use and modify. Anybody can download the MySQL software from the Internet and use it without paying anything. Anyone can study the source code and change it to fit their needs.

In combination with PHP, MySQL makes the best combination for data-driven Web sites in the cyber world.