CIAT. Edu offers program paths for people seeking a career in software development and cybersecurity.
The open-source database solutions support many modern applications, from popular mobile applications to leading eCommerce platforms. Many open-source database systems are also most commonly downloaded compared to closed-source databases. Commercial databases, including Microsoft SQL, Oracle, and SAP, remain at the top of the list for the family of databases for cloud and on-premise, supporting complex transactional applications.
While pursuing a degree in software development at CIAT.Edu, students should also invest in learning to develop using open-source databases. This additional knowledge of securing and optimizing these databases will significantly benefit future employers.
An Introduction to Open-Source Databases
Databases are back-end data storage for an application like a web app. Databases become placed on the web server along with other back-end features that make up the website, such as files, content that becomes used, and the server configuration files. They usually see databases as the final destination for your website, making it an essential component.
What are the Most Popular Open-Source Database Engines?
MariaDB
MariaDB arose from MySQL. MariaDB can deal with a more significant number of connections than MySQL, supporting over 200,000 simultaneous connections. Replication is also two times quicker with MariaDB compared to MySQL.
CockroachDB
CockroachDB is an SQL database designed from the ground up to be cloud-agnostic, distributed, and resilient. It allows for uninterrupted data availability across multiple platforms and cloud providers, removing the dependencies of traditional databases.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL has been one of the oldest open-source relational databases available for over 25 years, granting software engineers and database architects many tools. DBEngine lists PostgreSQL in its top five databases, outperforming multiple paid databases.
Securing Open-Source Databases and Applications
Security risks inherent in open-source software have caused the emergence of open-source security best practices, including code upgrades to help companies protect their investments. Frequent patching and application testing are essential to prevent open-source vulnerabilities from becoming exploited.
Developers also need to understand database security basics, including detecting rogue stored procedures, unauthorized privileged access, and exploits within the OS kernel. Before executing database migrations or porting over the source code, security engineers and application security teams ensure the open-source database and applications, including PHP and Python, have been updated.
What is the Top Reason for Using an Open-Source Database?
Cost Savings
Fast-growing organizations enjoy open-source databases because they are free from traditional license models and have flexible, community-supported, and extensive toolsets.
Switching to an open-source database from a closed-source one reduces your overhead costs. The savings can be as much as four times without license fees compared to the latter option.
Open-Source Database – Knowledge for Today and in the Future
Nearly all (97%) of the hiring managers surveyed in the 2021 open-source job report view recruiting open-source talent as a high priority, with half (50%) of polled IT professionals citing their ability to design solutions using open-source software most valued skill.
