Generally, it can be stated that PostgreSQL currently offers a richer set of features in 

processing the stored data. MySQL does not support some critical features, such as safe 

transactions or foreign keys that are usually part of relational database management systems. 

However, MySQL offers more standard data types and functions according to ANSI SQL. 

Furthermore, the additional processing required for handling the transaction safe tables in 

PostgreSQL gives MySQL a significant speed advantage for insert and update statements.  

Other databases that have been made available under an Open Source License more recently 

include: 

   InterBase and the spin off Firebird, open sourced by Inprise/Borland (since July 2000) 

   SAPDB, open sourced by SAP AG (since October 2000) 

Selected References 

Tim Perdue; phpbuilder.com; MySQL and PostgreSQL Compared; 

http://www.phpbuilder.com/columns/tim20000705.php3

; July 2000 

A Comparison of MySQL and PostgreSQL features, performance, and stability. 

Tim Perdue; phpbuilder.com; Open Source Databases: As the Tables Turn; 

http://www.phpbuilder.com/columns/tim20001112.php3

; November 2000 

Follow up article with extensive performance comparison of MySQL and PostgreSQL 

2.5  Source Code Control with CVS 

The creation process of software becomes more complex with growing size: An increasing 

number of developers have to collaborate closely to achieve effective development in larger 

systems. Furthermore, the introduction of latent bugs in the early stages of development can 

pose a real problem in large programs, since tracing the problem to its origin can become a 

tedious task. 

Versioning control systems are the solution to this challenge. All versions of the source code are 

archived and maintained in a central repository (the  master  copy), usually at a separate 

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