Choosing Between NoSQL and Relational DBs | iCert Global

A database resembles a large electronic notebook. It assists individuals in storing and recalling lots of information, like names, phone numbers, photos, etc. Yet, there is not a single database. Two of the most popular kinds are Relational Databases and NoSQL Databases.

They are both data storage devices, but they differ in functionality. In this article, we will discuss what they are, how they compare, and when to use each.

What is a relational database?

A Relational Database holds data in tables, similar to a spreadsheet. Each table has rows, or records, and columns, or fields. Suppose you had a table of students' names, grades, and birthdays.

These databases employ a specific language known as SQL, or Structured Query Language. SQL assists individuals in searching for, inserting, or modifying data within the tables.

Popular Relational Databases:

•           MySQL

•           PostgreSQL

•           Oracle

•           Microsoft SQL Server

Relational databases are well organized and follow simple principles. They are excellent if you need your data to be correct, well-organized, and safe.

What is a NoSQL database?

NoSQL stands for "Not Only SQL." NoSQL databases are more flexible and don't utilize tables as relational databases. They store data in different forms, including:

• Files (e.g., JSON or XML files)

• Key-value pairs

• Graphs

• Wide-column stores

NoSQL databases prove helpful when you have lots of various types of data, like images, videos, and messages on social media.

Popular NoSQL Databases:

• MongoDB

• Redis

• Cassandra

• Couchbase

They are best suited to applications where data is shifting rapidly or growing rapidly.

Key NoSQL vs. Relational Database Differences

Let's have a close examination of the most important differences between these two databases. This will tell you when and why to use each.

1. Data Format

Relational Database: It holds data in tables consisting of rows and columns. Each new entry is a row, and each column contains a type of information. A students' table can have fields like "Name," "Grade," and "Age." One row is filled by each student. NoSQL Database: Stores data in various forms, such as:

• Documents (like digital forms)
• Key-value pairs are similar to labels and their meanings.
• Graphs are similar to social media connections with friends.
• Wide columns (for large data sets)

A NoSQL database can hold a complete record of a single student in a document file. Another student's record can contain any fields, say, emergency contact or hobbies, with no structure.

2. Structure (Schema)

• Relational Database: Has a fixed structure known as a schema. I.e., you need to decide what columns the table will have before you insert data.

• If the table has only "Name" and "Age," you can't simply insert a "Favorite Subject" column without changing the entire table.

• NoSQL Database: It doesn't require a structured format. You can store data without selecting the form first.

• One record might have a student's name and grade, another record might have their photo and hobbies—and that's alright!

3. Query Language

• Relational Database: Utilizes SQL (Structured Query Language). SQL is a highly expressive language that enables users to ask questions of the data.

• You can enter, "Show me all students who have an A grade," and SQL will quickly generate that result.

• NoSQL Database: Does not necessarily implement SQL. Rather, it may implement other methodologies or particular strategies for fetching the data.

• A NoSQL database enables you to query by keywords or even find parts of documents without a query language.

4. Speed and Size

• Relational Database: Best suited for small to medium-sized data. But when data becomes extremely large, particularly unstructured data, it becomes slow.

• NoSQL Database: It is created to manage big and complicated data. It grows extremely quickly but remains fast, which makes it ideal for websites, applications, and social media platforms with millions of users.

5. Best Use Cases

• A Relational Database works best when:
• Your data is organized and does not change often
• You wish to safeguard accuracy (e.g., grades, bank information)
• You have to produce a lot of reports and perform calculations.
• Used in banks, schools, and hospitals.

NoSQL Database works best when:

• Your information is always changing or increasing very fast.
• You have to hold different types of information.
• You wish to develop new apps or sites.
• For video sites, shopping sites, and social media apps.

6. Data Relationships

• Relational Database: Handles relationships between data very well.

• A student is linked to their grades, teachers, and classes in individual tables. These links are easy to track and work with using SQL.

• NoSQL Database: It is not designed for intimate relationships between data. It performs well when each data is independent.

• Good for maintaining a record of a user or a product catalog if you don't need to join to many other records.

Real-Life Examples

• A relational database would be suitable for a school wishing to monitor students' grades, attendance, and courses. All is governed by rules and remains in its place.
• A NoSQL database is well-suited for a social media platform like Instagram. It needs to save numerous things like posts, comments, photos, and likes in an instant and unstructured manner.

How to obtain NoSQL Certification? 

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Conclusion

Both relational databases and NoSQL are valuable. It just depends on what you're doing. If you need orderly, secure, and systematic data, select a relational database. If you require speed, flexibility, and capacity to store various types of data, use NoSQL.

The majority of companies today use both types of databases together to get the highest output. By doing this, they are able to process different types of data effectively and ensure that everything runs perfectly.

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