MySQL vs MySQLi in PHP
by Vincy. Last modified on July 9th, 2022.
MySQL and MySQLi are PHP database extensions implemented by using the PHP extension framework. PHP database extensions are used to write PHP code for accessing the database. They expose database API to provide interfaces to use database functions.
MySQL extension is deprecated and will not be available in future PHP versions. It is recommended to use the MySQLi extension with PHP 5.5 and above.
MySQL MySQLi Difference
There are too many differences between these PHP database extensions. These differences are based on some factors like performance, library functions, features, benefits, and others.
| MySQL | MySQLi |
| MySQL extension added in PHP version 2.0. and deprecated as of PHP 5.5.0. | MySQLi extension added in PHP 5.5 and will work on MySQL 4.1.3 or above. |
| Does not support prepared statements. | MySQLi supports prepared statements. |
| MySQL provides the procedural interface. | MySQLi provides both procedural and object-oriented interfaces. |
| MySQL extension does not support stored procedures. | MySQLi supports store procedures. |
| MySQL extension lags in security and other special features, comparatively. | MySQLi extension with enhanced security and improved debugging. |
| Transactions are handled by SQL queries only. | MySQLi supports transactions through API. |
| Extension directory: ext/mysql. | Extension directory: ext/mysqli. |
Note:
Though MySQL extension is deprecated, for backward compatibility it will be available. But do not use if you are starting something new and recommend migrating the older from MySQL to MySQLi extension.
Other MySQLi Advantages
- MySQLi function mysqli_query() allows for enforcing error-prone queries and prevents bugs like SQL injection.
- Using MySQLi data fetch, we can get buffered or unbuffered based on server resource size.
- MySQLi API allows executing multiple queries with a single expression using the multi_query() function.
Written by Vincy, a web developer with 15+ years of experience and a Masters degree in Computer Science. She specializes in building modern, lightweight websites using PHP, JavaScript, React, and related technologies. Phppot helps you in mastering web development through over a decade of publishing quality tutorials.
Comments to “MySQL vs MySQLi in PHP”
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Hi, I'm Vincy. I help build websites, grow businesses, big and small. If that is what you want, contact me.
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First of all thanks a lot for providing such an important information about mysql and mysqli. Please tell me some such websites from where i can get more information about this….
good article!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for providing quality content, Please write a article for “push notification” using PHP..
Thank you Raju. Sure, I have noted your request. I will soon publish a tutorial for push notification using PHP.
good article cleared all doubts.Thank you
Welcome Sachin.