NoSQL (Not Only SQL) Database
Table of Contents
A NoSQL (which stands for “not only SQL”) database is a type of database management system that is designed to handle and store data in ways that are different from traditional relational databases. NoSQL databases are particularly well-suited for handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data, and they provide more flexibility and scalability than traditional SQL databases in certain use cases.
Here are some key characteristics and features of NoSQL databases:
Data Structure
NoSQL databases are designed to store unstructured, semi-structured, or highly variable data. They use various data models, such as document, key-value, column-family, and graph, to accommodate different data types.
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Schema-less:
NoSQL databases are typically schema-less, meaning they don’t require a fixed table structure with predefined columns and data types.
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Variety of Data Models:
- Key-Value Stores: These databases store data as key-value pairs, making them ideal for simple and fast data retrieval. Examples include Redis and Amazon DynamoDB.
- Document Stores: These databases store data as JSON, BSON, or XML documents, making them suitable for semi-structured data. Examples include MongoDB and Couchbase.
- Column-Family Stores: These databases organize data into column families and columns, making them efficient for storing and retrieving large amounts of data. Apache Cassandra is an example.
- Graph Databases: These databases are designed for managing and querying data with complex relationships. Neo4j is a well-known graph database.
Data Integrity
NoSQL databases may offer eventual consistency instead of strong ACID guarantees. They prioritize availability and partition tolerance over strict consistency, which is suitable for certain use cases.
Query Language
NoSQL databases use query languages specific to their data model. Some support flexible and dynamic querying, while others offer simple key-based retrieval.
Schema
NoSQL databases are schema-flexible, meaning you can add or change fields without requiring a predefined schema. This flexibility is well-suited for applications with evolving data requirements.
Scaling
NoSQL databases are designed for horizontal scalability, allowing you to add more servers to distribute data and handle increased load. They are suitable for large-scale and distributed systems.
Examples
Examples of NoSQL databases include MongoDB (document store), Cassandra (wide-column store), Redis (key-value store), and Neo4j (graph database).
Ref.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NoSQL