When comparing MySQL with InnoDB vs SQL Server Express, the Slant community recommends MySQL with InnoDB for most people. In the question“What are the best ACID-compliant scalable databases?” MySQL with InnoDB is ranked 3rd while SQL Server Express is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose MySQL with InnoDB is:
Some of these APIs include ODBC, Java (JDBC), Perl, Python, PHP, Ruby, and native C. Also, there are a number of third party APIs that are available for use to interact with the database
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Multiple APIs
Some of these APIs include ODBC, Java (JDBC), Perl, Python, PHP, Ruby, and native C. Also, there are a number of third party APIs that are available for use to interact with the database
Pro Many applications available
There are a number of applications that are built with the focus of MySQL. Some of these include Drupal, Joomla, Wordpress and more.
Pro Scalable
Works well under simple operations or heavy tasks.
Pro Huge community support
Being the world's most popular open source database means there are tons of available examples and information for users' to access.
Pro Rich developer tools
SQL Server Express has deep integration with Visual Studio, Visual Web Developer and SQL Server Management allowing for ease-of-use and rich table and query designers. It may be the best choice for someone who develops in the Microsoft environment.
Pro Easily manage SQL Server instances
"Manage SQL Server Express databases with SQL Server Management Studio Express. Connect to local SQL Server Express databases and manage objects with full Object Explorer integration. Write, execute, and test queries by using visual query plans, and access management and maintenance options."
Pro Free
With a variety of versions to choose from the SQL Server Express version is free of charge. It is capable of upgrading to higher tiers, but that requires a fee.
Pro Easy backup and restore
Can be deployed to all editions of SQL Server and Microsoft Azure SQL Database
Cons
Con InnoDB is not fully configured
When you initially install MySQL, InnoDB needs to be configured to make it suite your needs and there are many issues you can come across.
Con Highly dependent on hard disk performance
Con Proprietary
Con Hardware limitations
Maximum number of cores: 4
Maximum memory utilized per instance: 1GB
Maximum size: 10GB
This hardware could be limiting with some high profile apps and sites.