How to: RDS MySQL and MariaDB Tips
-	MySQL RDS allows access to [binary logs](http://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/UserGuide/USER_LogAccess.Concepts.MySQL.html#USER_LogAccess.MySQL.BinaryFormat).
-	Multi-AZ instances of MySQL transparently replicate data across AZs using DRBD. Automated backups of multi-AZ instances [run off the backup instance](https://www.percona.com/live/mysql-conference-2014/sessions/rds-mysql-tips-patterns-and-common-pitfalls) to reduce latency spikes on the primary.
-	🔸**Performance Schema:** While [Performance Schema](http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/en/performance-schema.html) is enabled by default in MySQL 5.6.6 and later, it is disabled by default in all versions of RDS. If you wish to enable Performance Schema, a reboot of the RDS instance will be required.
-	🔸**MySQL vs MariaDB vs Aurora:** If you prefer a MySQL-style database but are starting something new, you probably should consider Aurora and MariaDB as well. **Aurora** has increased availability and is the next-generation solution. That said, Aurora [may not be](http://blog.takipi.com/benchmarking-aurora-vs-mysql-is-amazons-new-db-really-5x-faster/) that much faster than MySQL for certain workloads. **MariaDB**, the modern [community fork](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MariaDB) of MySQL, [likely now has the edge over MySQL](http://cloudacademy.com/blog/mariadb-vs-mysql-aws-rds/) for many purposes and is supported by RDS.

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