Database Choice for 2026 - MySQL and PlanetScale

Choosing a database is one of the most critical decisions in software architecture. In 2026, despite the multitude of options, we return to a reinvented classic: MySQL, specifically through the PlanetScale platform.

The Renaissance of MySQL

MySQL has been the workhorse of the web for decades. Its reliability is legendary. However, scaling MySQL traditionally was painful (manual sharding, replicas, backups).

PlanetScale: Serverless MySQL

PlanetScale changes the game. Based on Vitess (the technology that scales YouTube), it offers a compatible MySQL database that feels "serverless".

1. Non-blocking Schema Changes: You can perform schema migrations in production without downtime and without blocking tables. This is a dream come true for agile teams.
2. Branching: Treat your database like your code. Create database branches for development and test, and "merge" the schema to production.
3. Infinite Scaling: PlanetScale handles sharding automatically. Your database can grow indefinitely without you having to rewrite your application.

Why not Postgres or NoSQL?

• Postgres is fantastic, but PlanetScale's developer experience (DX) for MySQL is superior in 2026 for teams that iterate fast.
• NoSQL has its place, but most applications need relationships and consistency. MySQL offers native JSON for when you need flexibility, without sacrificing relational integrity.

In summary, the combination of MySQL's robustness with PlanetScale's innovation offers the best data platform for 2026.