Answer

There are four database options currently available with Movable Type:

• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• SQLite
• Berkeley

The first step in determining which option to use is see what is available on your server when you run mt-check.cgi:

• MySQL requires DBD::mysql
• PostgreSQL requires DBD:Pg
• SQLite requires DBD::SQLite
• Berkeley requires DB_File

You should always use MySQL if it is available. MySQL is faster, more stable, and easier to backup. Even if the required module for MySQL is not installed, it is recommended that you check with your host to see if they will install it for you, as well as provide a MySQL database with your hosting account to use.

PostgreSQL is a good second choice, as it is comparable with MySQL; however, support for it is much less common with most hosting providers.

SQLite is also less commonly used, and current support for it is more limited (i.e., there are some potential incompatibility issues with Movable Type 3.x and SQLite3); however, it is still generally a better choice than Berkeley.

Berkeley is the most commonly available option; however, it is slower (especially as your database grows larger) and is more prone to corruption than MySQL. If you must choose Berkeley because it is your only option, please remember to perform regular backups of your Movable Type data, by exporting entries, copying out templates and configuration settings, and so on.