MySQL no longer providing Windows binaries for free
MySQL AB have decided that Windows binaries will no longer be available for free from their web site. The source code will still be available for free download, but will have to be compiled before it is usable. If you take a look at the “community” edition download page you will notice that the latest source version is 5.0.33 and the latest compiled Windows binary is 5.0.27.
I find this very frustrating because, as many Windows developers do, I use MySQL and other open source software but I don't have the needed tools and time to learn how to compile/modify/tune the whole stuff. For me it's not just a "just compile it" situation as it might be for Linux users. And that's because I don't know and I don't want to spend time learning to do that. I don't feel that I need to spend time compiling MySQL. Here's what you need to compile the source:
- Visual Studio .Net 2003 (7.1) compiler system
- Between 3GB and 5GB disk space.
- Windows XP, Windows 2000 or higher.
- Patience (because it will take some time).
And if I have to pay to download Windows binaries then PostgreSql will suddenly start to look better in my eyes. I thing the guys are already throwing a party right now. Stupid move MySQL, stupid!
PostgreSQL vs MySQL benchmark
If you need more information sources (no binary :)):
http://www.planetmysql.org/kaj/?p=83http://discuss.joelonsoftware.com/default.asp?biz.5.439544.15
http://ilia.ws/archives/153-MySQL-5.0.33-Community-Server.html
http://www.mysqlperformanceblog.com/2006/12/29/where-to-get-recent-mysql-version/
9 comments:
MySQL's licensing has always made me uneasy. I've never understood why so many open source developers choose it over PostgreSQL. It's a much nicer database and it actually is FLOSS. Up yours MySQL!
I'm not so sure about this. The download page states:
[...] While every bug fix that has been applied to the Enterprise Server will also be available in the subsequent Community Server release, there will be source-only releases in between full (source and binary) Community builds. So while the latest published community sources will always be available from the Source Downloads Section, the binaries listed on this page may be from a previous release. In any case, full binaries for all our supported operating systems are and will remain conveniently available from this page. (emphasis mine)
So, the latest source version is 5.0.33 and the latest binary (not only for Windows, but for all OSes), is 5.0.27, but, when for example version 5.0.35 comes out, a binary may be created again - if that's a non-bug fix release.
At least, that's how I understand it.
I wasn't sure either, but this page says it loud and clear : http://www.planetmysql.org/kaj/?p=83
I guess that is one reason to switch to PostgreSQL... and although MySQL has done a lot of good stuff in their 5.x releases, PostgreSQL is still the technically superior product. That would be my main reason to switch over. ;p
They probably did it because having a universal windows binary could leave much to be desired. Instead of ranting, you could have just spent the 10 minutes it takes to learn how to compile it and end up with a nicer binary in the end. You may even learn something to boot. Quit complaining, its still free!
It seems to me that if MySQL doesn't want the web traffic, that this is a service the community will be able to fairly easily provide.
jmc:: What exactly makes you feel uneasy about the GPL, which is probably the true FLOSS license? In fact, MySQL AB actually expands the GPL to be compatible with a number of other OSS licenses, which usually are incompatible with the GPL. Check the FLOSS exception at the web site.
wskills: Kaj does not state anywhere that MySQL AB won't provide binary builds of MySQL anymore. The there will be source-only releases in between full (source and binary) releases. This is also stated on the 5.0 Download pages:
While every bug fix that has been applied to the Enterprise Server will also be available in the subsequent Community Server release, there will be source-only releases in between full (source and binary) Community builds.
I can tell you from 7 years of running both mysql and postgresql that it all looks good until you try running 24/7 in a production environment. Postgresql in my opinion take way too much baby sitting to keep in operation. It needs constant table vacuuming to keep running efficiently, vacuum operations often fail and place exclusive locks on the tables while it is occurring.
As for compiling mysql on linux, you are assuming we compile it from scratch to run on our systems. Nearly every single linux distro ships with mysql ready to use just start the service and you are off and running. If it is not pre- installed which is rare a simple single line command will usually install it "apt-get install mysql-server". In fact it is a rare day indeed that I have to compile anything on a linux box.
Perhaps it would be a good day for you, your company and your career to fire up a linux box and do a couple of hours of learning. Who cares if they do not ship windows binaries load a linux box, start mysql and have some fun.
Well written article.
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