Is MAM transaction a normal IOTA transaction ?

[zmarwa]

Hello,

I'm just starting to explore mam messaging to exchange data between devices. A first question comes to my mind : What is the difference between mam message and iota transaction?

[abmushi]

Hi,
I'm going to explain same aspect and then difference.

Similarities

MAM message is also stored as transactions in a bundle.

Differences

MAM transactions are for only messaging purpose, cannot send money.
Signature in MAM is to prove channel ownership, not to sign input address.
MAM message contains verbose information to maintain and protect MAM channel from being attacked.

MAM Bundle structure

For deeper understanding, I have recently written the article. Wish it would be more helpful.