> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-management/install-and-upgrade-mariadb/migrating-to-mariadb/differences-between-mariadb-and-other-dbmss.md).

# Differences Between MariaDB and Other DBMSs

This page lists *general* differences between MariaDB and other DBMSs (database management systems). For *specific* differences (for instance, between MariaDB and PostgreSQL), refer to the respective pages in this section.

## Database vs. Schema

In MariaDB, the terms *schema* and *database* are synonymous and used interchangeable. The `CREATE SCHEMA` statement is a synonym for `CREATE DATABASE`, meaning they create the same object—a container for database objects like tables and views.

MariaDB does not support a distinction between schema and database as seen in other systems like SQL Server or PostgreSQL, where a schema is a logical container within a database. Instead, a database in MariaDB serves as both a namespace and a logical container to separate objects, and it has a default character set and collation that are inherited by its tables.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-management/install-and-upgrade-mariadb/migrating-to-mariadb/differences-between-mariadb-and-other-dbmss.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.