6 Most Used Database Management Systems (DBMS) in 2025 Explained

Databases are the backbone of most software applications today, enabling efficient data storage, retrieval, and management. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Database Management Systems (DBMS) used in the industry. From traditional relational databases to modern NoSQL solutions, we will analyze them.

1. PLSQL

Definition

PLSQL (Procedural Language for SQL) is an extension of SQL used specifically in Oracle databases. It allows for procedural programming within SQL, enabling complex logic and error handling.

Key Features:

• Procedural Constructs: Supports loops, conditions, and exception handling.
• Integration with SQL: Can seamlessly integrate with SQL queries for data manipulation.
• Cursors: Used for handling query result sets.
• Triggers and Stored Procedures: Allows creating stored procedures and triggers to automate tasks.

Unique Features:

• Error Handling: PLSQL provides robust exception handling capabilities.
• Performance: Stored procedures can improve performance by reducing the number of database calls.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Efficient in managing large and complex datasets.
  • Enhances performance through modularity and reusability.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited to Oracle databases, making it less flexible for cross-platform applications.
  • Learning curve can be steep for beginners.

Best For:

• Large enterprises using Oracle databases.
• Systems requiring high-level data manipulation and automation.

Some Examples Where Used:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Financial applications requiring complex transaction processing.

Demand in the Industry:

PLSQL remains in high demand for roles focused on Oracle-based systems, especially in industries like banking, telecommunications, and healthcare.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $65,000 - $85,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $110,000 - $140,000 annually.

2. MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server)

Definition

MSSQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It is designed for a wide range of enterprise applications and supports various tools for data management and analysis.

Key Features:

• T-SQL Support: A proprietary extension of SQL for writing scripts, queries, and stored procedures.
• Data Security: Strong security features like data encryption and role-based access control.
• High Availability: Includes features like Always On Availability Groups for minimizing downtime.

Unique Features:

• SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS): A tool for data integration and workflow management.
• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS): A tool for designing and delivering reports.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Excellent integration with Microsoft tools and services.
  • Strong community support and documentation.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can be resource-heavy, especially for smaller applications.
  • Licensing can be expensive for larger deployments.

Best For:

• Businesses that are already using Microsoft-based technologies.
• Data warehousing and business intelligence applications.

Some Examples Where Used:

• E-commerce platforms.
• Data-driven decision-making applications in businesses.

Demand in the Industry:

MSSQL is widely used across many sectors, including finance, healthcare, and retail.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $70,000 - $90,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $120,000 - $150,000 annually.

3. MySQL

Definition

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that uses SQL for querying and managing data. It is widely used for web-based applications.

Key Features:

• Open-Source: Free to use and customizable.
• Replication: Allows for replication of databases across multiple servers for high availability.
• ACID-Compliant: Ensures reliable and safe transactions.

Unique Features:

• InnoDB Engine: Supports foreign key constraints and transactions.
• Wide Adoption in Web Development: Commonly used in LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python).

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Open-source, which makes it accessible for small to medium businesses.
  • Large developer community for support and resources.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited in terms of advanced analytics and data processing capabilities.
  • Not as feature-rich as enterprise-grade solutions like Oracle.

Best For:

• Startups and small-to-medium businesses.
• Web applications and content management systems (CMS).

Some Examples Where Used:

• WordPress-powered websites.
• E-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce.

Demand in the Industry:

MySQL remains popular, particularly for web development and open-source projects.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $60,000 - $80,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $100,000 - $130,000 annually.

4. MariaDB

Definition

MariaDB is a community-developed fork of MySQL that is designed to be fully compatible with MySQL while offering additional features and improvements.

Key Features:

• Improved Performance: Faster than MySQL in certain scenarios, with better query optimization.
• Compatibility: Fully compatible with MySQL, making it easy to migrate.
• Security Features: Improved encryption and authentication mechanisms.

Unique Features:

• Storage Engines: Supports multiple storage engines like Aria, TokuDB, and ColumnStore.
• Open-Source: Completely open-source with no commercial licensing.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Better performance and scalability compared to MySQL.
  • No licensing costs.
• Weaknesses:
  • Fewer enterprise tools and features compared to larger DBMS options.
  • Less widely adopted in the enterprise space.

Best For:

• Open-source web applications.
• Companies looking for a free and scalable database solution.

Some Examples Where Used:

• Online platforms using LAMP stack.
• Media content delivery applications.

Demand in the Industry:

MariaDB is growing in popularity among companies seeking open-source database solutions.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $55,000 - $75,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $90,000 - $120,000 annually.

5. MongoDB

Definition

MongoDB is a NoSQL database designed for handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. It stores data in a flexible, JSON-like format called BSON.

Key Features:

• Document-Oriented: Stores data in documents (JSON/BSON), allowing for flexible schema.
• Horizontal Scaling: Designed for scalability across multiple servers.
• Aggregation Framework: Powerful querying and data transformation capabilities.

Unique Features:

• Schema-Less: Allows for the easy storage of data without a predefined schema.
• Sharding: Distributes data across multiple servers for load balancing.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Highly scalable and flexible for handling unstructured data.
  • Ideal for big data and real-time analytics applications.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lack of joins, which can make complex queries difficult.
  • Data consistency can be an issue in distributed environments.

Best For:

• Applications that require flexible schema and scalability.
• Real-time analytics and big data applications.

Some Examples Where Used:

• Social media platforms.
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Demand in the Industry:

MongoDB is a leader in the NoSQL space and is in high demand, especially in startups and big data companies.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $70,000 - $90,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $120,000 - $150,000 annually.

6. SQLite

Definition

SQLite is a lightweight, serverless relational database engine that is used for small-scale applications. It is self-contained and requires minimal setup.

Key Features:

• Serverless: No need for a separate server process; it runs directly within the application.
• Lightweight: Suitable for embedded systems and mobile devices.
• Cross-Platform: Works on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Unique Features:

• Zero Configuration: Simple setup, making it ideal for embedded and mobile applications.
• File-Based: Database is stored as a single file on the filesystem.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Lightweight and easy to integrate into applications.
  • Ideal for mobile apps and small-scale websites.
• Weaknesses:
  • Not suitable for large-scale, high-performance applications.
  • Lacks advanced features like clustering and replication.

Best For:

• Mobile applications.
• Small-scale projects and prototypes.

Some Examples Where Used:

• Mobile apps like Android and iOS apps.
• Lightweight desktop applications.

Demand in the Industry:

SQLite is commonly used in smaller applications and embedded systems but is less common for enterprise solutions.

Entry-Level Job Average Income:

• $50,000 - $70,000 annually.

Senior-Level Job Average Income:

• $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

Conclusion

The DBMS landscape offers a wide variety of options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends on the specific needs of the project, including scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. Relational databases like PLSQL, MSSQL, and MySQL are still widely used in many industries, while MongoDB and MariaDB are gaining traction in modern, scalable applications.

As companies continue to shift towards cloud-based and data-driven solutions, the demand for skilled professionals in these technologies will only increase.