The five critical differences of SQL vs NoSQL:
SQL databases are relational, NoSQL are non-relational.
SQL databases use structured query language and have a predefined schema. NoSQL databases have dynamic schemas for unstructured data.
SQL databases are vertically scalable, NoSQL databases are horizontally scalable.
SQL databases are table based, while NoSQL databases are document, key-value, graph or wide-column stores.
SQL databases are better for multi-row transactions, NoSQL are better for unstructured data like documents or JSON.
It is estimated that in just another two years, manual data management tasks will be reduced by as much as 45% with machine learning and automated service-level management.
A database comes in handy with storing, organizing, and managing large data volumes, also referred to as big data.
However, every database does not necessarily fit every business need.
Therefore, deciding on which type will best suit your business needs can be tricky.
SQL databases help you solve complex queries and analyze data.
Some of the most popular SQL databases are:
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle
MySQL/MariaDB
PostgreSQL
Microsoft Azure SQL
NoSQL databases, on the other hand, work well with large data-sets and help reduce data latency.
Some of the most popular NoSQL databases are:
MongoDB (Document-Based)
Apache CouchDB (Document-Based)
BigTable (Key-Value Store)
Oracle NoSQL (Key-Value Store)
Redis (Key-Value Store)
In this blog post, we take a look at the key differences between SQL and NoSQL databases to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to choosing a database, one of the biggest decisions is picking a relational (SQL) or non-relational (NoSQL) data structure. While both are viable options, there are key differences between the two that users must keep in mind when making a decision.
Here, we break down the most important distinctions and discuss the best SQL and NoSQL database systems available.
The Big Picture Differences Between SQL and NoSQL
SQL databases: SQL databases use structured query language (SQL) for defining and manipulating data. On one hand, this is extremely powerful: SQL is one of the most versatile and widely-used options available, making it a safe choice and especially great for complex queries. On the other hand, it can be restrictive. SQL requires that you use predefined schemas to determine the structure of your data before you work with it. In addition, all of your data must follow the same structure. This can require significant up-front preparation, and, as with Town A, it can mean that a change in the structure would be both difficult and disruptive to your whole system.
NoSQL databases: NoSQL databases, on the other hand, have dynamic schemas for unstructured data, and data is stored in many ways: They can be column-oriented, document-oriented, graph-based or organized as a KeyValue store. This flexibility means that:
You can create documents without having to first define their structure
Each document can have its own unique structure
The syntax can vary from database to database, and
You can add fields as you go.
The Scalability
In most situations, SQL databases are vertically scalable, which means that you can increase the load on a single server by increasing things like CPU, RAM or SSD. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are horizontally scalable. This means that you handle more traffic by sharding, or adding more servers in your NoSQL database. It’s like adding more floors to the same building versus adding more buildings to the neighborhood. The latter can ultimately become larger and more powerful, making NoSQL databases the preferred choice for large or ever-changing data sets.
The Structure
SQL databases are table-based, while NoSQL databases are either document-based, key-value pairs, graph databases or wide-column stores. This makes relational SQL databases a better option for applications that require multi-row transactions - such as an accounting system - or for legacy systems that were built for a relational structure.
Some examples of SQL databases include MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. NoSQL database examples include MongoDB, BigTable, Redis, RavenDB Cassandra, HBase, Neo4j and CouchDB.
Sources:
https://www.xplenty.com/blog/the-sql-vs-nosql-difference/
https://www.grazitti.com/blog/sql-or-nosql-databases-whats-the-difference/