MySQL / MariaDB

MySQL/MariaDB is a proven standard in web stacks and a natural choice for many PHP‑based platforms. With good modelling and disciplined operations, it delivers strong performance for transactional workloads such as commerce and web platforms.

Data models that stay stable

The biggest lever is usually the schema: sensible normalisation, clear relationships and indexes that match real queries. I optimise queries using explain plans, reduce N+1 patterns at the application layer and apply caching where it has measurable impact.

Scaling and operations

For larger systems, replication, read replicas and solid backup/recovery strategies become important. Monitoring via slow query logs, performance metrics and the right tooling helps surface issues early. Regular updates and failover testing reduce the risk of the database becoming a single point of failure.

MySQL is robust and pragmatic when operated consistently. With solid schema design and monitoring it can support demanding workloads reliably.