Is MariaDB and MySQL functionally the same?

[Forcerdj]

I am in the process of setting up a new cPanel server and noticed MariaDB is the recommended database.

I've never heard of it but would obviously prefer to use the most efficient software on the server.

I'm worried about any functional differences? This server is for shared hosting so asking clients to reconfigure scripts is out of the question.. I'm guessing all database drivers, connections, queries, scripts etc.. all work in the exact same way as they did with MySQL? i.e. no changes to make on sites.

How is the server load (speaking generally) compared to MySQL?

Thanks

 

[cPanelMichael]

Hello

MariaDB acts as a MySQL replacement, so all interface and API function calls that refer to MySQL will work seamlessly with MariaDB. You can find helpful information about the origin of MariaDB, and it's benefits at:

About MariaDB - MariaDB.org

Thank you.