MySQL is a database management system that allows storage and retrieval of data from a database. It uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to communicate with databases. MySQL runs on major platforms like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. It is made up of a server that manages data access and manipulation, and clients that users interact with to give commands. Common clients include the MySQL command line, Query Browser, and Administrator. Data is stored in tables within databases in a relational format. SQL commands like SELECT, INSERT, ALTER, etc. are used to manage and query the data.