Proven relational storage.
Built on MySQL.
MySQL remains a dependable choice for structured, relational data — especially on PHP and Laravel stacks where it's the traditional default. We maintain, extend, and optimise MySQL databases as part of existing projects, and we'll tell you honestly when a new project should use it versus PostgreSQL.
MySQL, where it's the right foundation
We use MySQL where it's already the right fit: existing Laravel/PHP applications, hosting environments built around it, or teams who already know it well.
Laravel & PHP Applications
MySQL is Laravel's traditional default. For existing Laravel codebases, or new ones built on shared hosting, it's the pragmatic choice with mature tooling.
Legacy Database Maintenance
Taking over an existing MySQL database — cleaning up schema debt, fixing slow queries, and extending it safely without a risky rewrite.
Structured Business Data
Customer records, orders, and reporting data with clear relationships — exactly what relational databases are built for.
Performance & Query Optimisation
Indexing strategy, slow-query analysis, and schema normalisation for MySQL databases that have grown past their original design.
A dependable default — not our first choice for greenfield work.
We won't oversell MySQL. For a brand-new project with no constraints, we'd usually recommend PostgreSQL. MySQL earns its place when the environment already calls for it.
Mature, well-understood tooling
Decades of production use, wide hosting support, and mature ORMs (Eloquent, Entity Framework) make MySQL a low-risk, well-documented choice for standard relational data.
The Laravel-native default
If you're on Laravel and don't have a specific reason to move away from MySQL, staying on it usually means less friction — Laravel's tooling assumes it by default.
Fast reads on straightforward schemas
For read-heavy applications with relatively simple queries, MySQL performs reliably without much tuning — a genuine advantage for content-driven and CRUD-heavy applications.
Where PostgreSQL usually wins instead
For complex queries, advanced data types (JSONB, arrays), or heavier analytical workloads, PostgreSQL is generally the stronger choice — we'll say so rather than defaulting to MySQL out of habit.
Should your next project use MySQL?
A genuine technical tradeoff, not a sales pitch. Here's how we think about it.
MySQL makes sense when
You're building on or extending an existing Laravel/PHP app Your hosting environment is already tuned around it Your team already has deep MySQL experience Your queries are mostly simple, read-heavy CRUD
Consider PostgreSQL/MongoDB when
You need advanced data types (JSONB, arrays, full-text search) Your workload involves complex analytical queries Your records vary significantly in structure You're starting completely from scratch with no constraints