Question
What is MariaDB and how is it different or similar to MySQL?
Answer
MariaDB was originally a fork of MySQL, intended to be an enhanced and open source drop-in replacement database server. cPanel currently offers installation of either MySQL or MariaDB.
Both are fundamentally similar, but there are minor differences. MariaDB has more information, including compatibility and feature comparison charts on their website. The cPanel interface and software work the same regardless of which is installed and the behind the scenes differences are completely transparent.
More information about installing MariaDB can be found in the following in our documentation: