PostgreSQL 7.3.21 vs MySQL 4.1.22

Hi,

I want to develop a basic database-driven website and my shared server has the following:

- PostgreSQL 7.3.21
- MySQL 4.1.22

I quite like Postgresql but I'm used to both database systems. I don't mind using either, but my focus points for any database system that I develop are:

- Speed (of course, for websites)
- The use of foreign keys and referential integrity, so it's a question of Postgresql tables vs. Mysql INNODB tables really.

Any opinions here? I suppose another factor is that shared server support tend to give more consideration to Mysql in general, because this is probably a more popular technology for beginners and website developers. Of course, I think Postgresql is really good, but would really like some opinion on this older version vs the mysql version above and what's better in your opinion.

Many thanks!

You already know that both are very outdated, right?
Then, if you want FK, ref integrity and so on I'd go for PostgreSQL at any time.

Well, both are outdated, very outdated. Consider another hostingprovider when your current provider doesn't provide an update.

I would use PostgreSQL, even with this old version. With Tsearch2 you can even implement full text search, something you can't with innoDB in MySQL. You have to install the module, but that only takes a minute.

But please, get yourself a recent database, saves a lot of headaches.

I agree with both of you. Unfortunately my hosting provider will not update the software on my current server..if I really want, I need to move my entire account to another server, which means transferring about 15-20 websites.

Not too big a deal, but not an overnight switch either. Which brings up my next question - given the fact that you have used the newer versions of Mysql and Postgresql (and of course PHP5, and I am currently on PHP4) - how much backward compatibility would you say it has to its older versions?

i.e. anything in particular that you recall caused problems, say if/when you switched your old websites (using an old version of mysql/postgresql/php) to a new server?

I know it depends from site to site but I am referring to more general php/mysql or php/postgresql websites - not too much functionality out of the norm.

Many thanks

I'd say MySQL, check the mysql forum, some changes in auth and join behaviour.
PostgreSQL should be easier.