<p>I'm an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASP.NET" rel="noreferrer">ASP.NET</a> developer who has used <code>Microsoft SQL Server</code> for all my database needs (both at work and for personal projects). </p>

<p>I am considering trying out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAMP_%28software_bundle%29" rel="noreferrer">LAMP</a> stack for some of my personal projects. </p>

<p>What are some of the main differences between <code>MySQL</code> and <code>SQL Server</code>? Is using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stored_procedure" rel="noreferrer">stored procedures</a> a common practice in <code>MySQL</code>? </p>

<p>Any advice or resources you'd recommend to help me with the switch? </p>

<p>To those who have experience with both, are there any missing features from <code>MySQL</code>?</p>

One thing you have to watch out for is the fairly severe differences in the way SQL Server and MySQL implement the SQL syntax.
Here's a nice
Comparison of Different SQL Implementations
.
For example, take a look at the top-n section. In MySQL:
```
```
SELECT age
FROM person
ORDER BY age ASC
LIMIT 1 OFFSET 2
```
```
In SQL Server (T-SQL):
```
```
SELECT TOP 3 WITH TIES *
FROM person
ORDER BY age ASC
```
```