MySQL is one of the most extensively used and results-driven open-source relational database management systems globally. In today’s era, software has become the first choice of large data management corporations that span a vast range of internet technologies.
MySQL was the database of choice on the Internet for many years. Born as a lightweight, open-source alternative to costly commercial systems, MySQL’s version history made developers’ lives easier by allowing them to create web applications. It played a smart and decisive part in making the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack successful and viable.
MySQL’s primary concentration on simplicity made it easy to learn and evolve in parallel. Moreover, its early design enabled it to expand at a remarkable pace, ensuring it was well-suited to contemporary or modern applications.
This blog post provides a detailed explanation of MySQL version history. It will also describe many MySQL versions and releases in an engaging manner.
What Do You Mean by MySQL?

MySQL is a widely recognized relational database management system available globally. It allows users to store data in tables, and they can relate the rows of these tables to each other via the common information provided in the columns. The story does not end here, as developers primarily use MySQL to create a wide array of web applications.
MySQL is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris, and macOS. To download it, please go to the official website. You can usually pronounce MySQL as “my sequel”.
MySQL Version History – (MySQL Version List)
This section will specifically discuss the MySQL version history in a simple yet easily understandable manner.
| MySQL Versions | Release Date | Salient Features |
|---|---|---|
| MySQL 9.0 | July 01, 2024 | Support for JavaScript stored procedures and functions, a VECTOR data type for machine learning. |
| MySQL 8.0 | April 19, 2018 | Enhanced performance, security features, JSON support, Windows functions, etc. |
| MySQL 5.7 | October 21, 2015 | Improved performance, better optimization for cloud workloads, and security features. |
| MySQL 5.6 | February 05, 2013 | Performance schema, NoSQL capabilities (MEMORY engine), and enhanced replication. |
| MySQL 5.5 | December 03, 2010 | Default use of InnoDB storage engine, full-text indexing improvements, etc. |
| MySQL 5.1 | November 14, 2008 | Event Scheduler, Partitioning, plugin support, etc. |
| MySQL 5.0 | October 2005 | Stored procedures, triggers, views, and performance improvements. |
| MySQL 4.1 | October, 2004 | Character set support, enhanced subquery performance, etc. |
| MySQL 4.0 | March, 2003 | Full-text search for MyISAM tables. |
| MySQL 3.23 | January 22, 2001 | MyISAM Store Engine, Full-Text Indexing, Database Replication, etc. |
| MySQL 2.0 | 1999 | Basic relational database functionality. |
| MySQL 1.0 | May 23, 1995 | Basic database features. |
The above MySQL version history table illustrates the evolution of a leading relational database management system over the years. This table lists various MySQL versions, detailing key features and highlighting each version precisely.
MySQL Previous Version
The term ” MySQL previous version” refers to older versions of MySQL. Users often refer to MySQL 1.0, MySQL 2.0, and MySQL 4.0 as previous versions of the MySQL database.
History of MySQL
Regarding the history of MySQL, it is rich and dates back to the mid-1990s. Over the last three decades, various older versions of MySQL and current releases have contributed to transforming the effectiveness of a relational database system to the next level.
According to the history of MySQL, it was made publicly available to help users seeking an alternative to cumbersome database management systems. Currently, the impacts of MySQL are beyond your imagination, as you can experience a great mix of features, such as triggers, stored procedures, full-text indexing, and more.
MySQL Releases
Currently, MySQL adheres to a release model that comprises Long-Term Support (LTS) and innovation versions. MySQL 8.4 is the latest LTS series, and 9.0 denotes Innovation releases.
As you may be aware, the latest or newest LTS release is MySQL 8.4.5. On the other hand, the latest or modern innovation release is MySQL 9.0.1. Additionally, MySQL releases include both significant and minor versions. This means that a few MySQL releases, such as MySQL 8.0 and MySQL 5.7, among others, are a testament to MySQL’s success and expansion.
Are SQL and MySQL the Same?
As you may be aware, both SQL and MySQL mainly work as database-related languages. As for SQL, it is a programming language that works with data in relational databases. On the other hand, MySQL is an open-source database product that primarily applies the SQL standard.
What Do You Know About MySQL Latest Releases?

The latest releases of MySQL are one of the common phrases that MySQL followers and users generally search for on the web. In simple terms, the phrase “MySQL latest releases” informs users about the current or latest versions of MySQL.
In this situation, you should explore the MySQL version list, which allows you to identify both recent and old versions of MySQL under one roof. Furthermore, the MySQL version list consists of several versions released by Oracle and its predecessor, MySQL AB.
The best thing about such MySQL versions is that they include a blend of security updates, performance improvements, salient features, deprecated features, bug fixes, and other crucial information.
Does Anyone Still Use MySQL?

Despite the emergence of new databases in recent times, MySQL remains a key player in the database management sphere. We can arguably say that MySQL remains a preferred choice for businesses and developers worldwide.
It is one of the widely used open-source (or proprietary) database management systems by small and large businesses.
MySQL Expansion in the Web Era
MySQL’s origin story is closely tied to the early open-source movement. Swedish developer Michael “Monty” Widenius developed MySQL in 1995 as a core internal project, making it publicly available shortly after.
By 2000, MySQL had become completely open-source (GPL license), and its popularity rose exponentially. As you may know, MySQL is a leading database component of the LAMP stack.
It offered an enticing combination to web developers: It was free, easily installable, and potent enough to support dynamic websites.
In an era conquered by exclusive proprietary databases, MySQL’s arrival was a blessing in disguise, and it was swiftly launched, to say the least.
Web startups of the 2000s—such as Facebook (now owned by Meta), YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, and several others—benefited from MySQL to save user data and content. MySQL instantly became a huge success, and it also became synonymous with creating websites.
What is MySQL 9 Innovation?
MySQL 9.0 was publicly made available in July 2024. As an “innovation” release, it enables users to experience the latest improvements and features in MySQL technologies.
Is MySQL Open-Source?
MySQL is a popular open-source database management system, which is accessible under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Fortunately, you can modify the software’s source code and use it without issue.
Wrapping Up
Our blog post provides a detailed explanation of the significance of MySQL’s version history. In other words, the MySQL version history validates that the leading open-source database management system has evolved in the last 30 years for all the right reasons.
When it comes to scalability, performance, reliability, and durability, developers and businesses prefer to take full advantage of MySQL. Unsurprisingly, this trend is expected to continue upward in the years to come.
