
NoSQL (Not only SQL) is a type of database management system that provides a mechanism for storage and retrieval of data that is modeled in means other than the tabular relations used in relational databases[1]. NoSQL databases are designed to handle large volumes of unstructured data and provide high availability and partition tolerance, as described by the CAP theorem[1].
The main differences between SQL and NoSQL databases are:
- Data Model: SQL databases are table-based, while NoSQL databases can be document-oriented, key-value pairs, column-family stores, or graph databases[2][3].
- Schema: SQL databases have a predefined, rigid schema, while NoSQL databases have a flexible, dynamic schema that can accommodate unstructured data[1][2].
- Scalability: SQL databases typically scale vertically by adding more resources (e.g., CPU, RAM) to a single server. NoSQL databases scale horizontally by adding more servers to a cluster to handle increased workloads[2][3].
- Consistency: SQL databases follow ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties, while NoSQL databases follow the CAP (Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance) theorem[4].
- Query Language: SQL databases use SQL as the standard query language, while NoSQL databases use various query languages depending on the database type (e.g., MongoDB uses its own query language, Cassandra uses CQL)[1].
NoSQL databases are suitable for handling large volumes of unstructured data, real-time web applications, mobile apps, and content management systems[1]. SQL databases are more appropriate for applications that require ACID transactions, data integrity, and complex queries[2][3].
References:
“SQL vs. NoSQL: The Differences Explained + When to Use Each,” Coursera, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.coursera.org/articles/sql-vs-nosql-databases-what-are-the-differences.
[1] “NoSQL Vs SQL Databases – MongoDB,” MongoDB, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.mongodb.com/nosql-explained/nosql-vs-sql.
[2] “SQL vs. NoSQL: The Differences Explained + When to Use Each,” Coursera, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.coursera.org/articles/nosql-vs-sql.
[3] “SQL vs. NoSQL: What’s the Difference?,” Built In, accessed April 29, 2024, https://builtin.com/data-science/sql-vs-nosql.
[4] “SQL vs. NoSQL Explained (in 4 Minutes),” YouTube, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ss42Vb1SU4.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mongodb.com/nosql-explained/nosql-vs-sql
[2] https://www.coursera.org/articles/nosql-vs-sql
[3] https://builtin.com/data-science/sql-vs-nosql
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ss42Vb1SU4&t=0
Recommended Books
https://www.michael-e-kirshteyn.com/mastering-nosql-database-design

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