NoSQL V/s SQL : Which is the Best?
A database forms an integral part of a mobile or web application as it stores and disseminates data, thereby allowing users to access information at their will; without any glitches. Now, there are many database models that companies can choose from, and each one of them have their share of pros and cons.
This blog post aims to compare two widely used database models – NoSQL and SQL, on the basis of a number of parameters.
What is SQL?
SQL is the traditional relational database format (RDBMS) which came out in the 1970s wherein data is stored and retrieved in a rigid structural manner in order to avoid data duplication and redundancy. SQL databases reside in a single server and adhere to strict rules for updating data.
Prominent Databases: MySQL, SQLite, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MariaDB
What is NoSQL?
NoSQL is the modern database format that emerged in the late 2000s when tech giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon found it difficult to handle huge volumes of dynamic data via RDBMS. NoSQL offered them the flexibility to share and transmit data globally within seconds. It boasts of superior performance and is cross-platform.
Prominent Databases: MongoDB, Google Firebase Realtime Database, Redis, Cassandra, CouchDB
Let’s compare…
| NoSQL | SQL | |
| Type of Model | Non-relational database; stores data in JSON documents, as key-value pairs, graphs or columns. | Relational database; stores data in tables with fixed rows and columns. |
| Language | Utilizes non-declarative unstructured query language. | Utilizes declarative Structured Query Language. |
| Scalability | Horizontal; multiple servers of the same capacity are deployed. | Vertical; hardware of a single server is upgraded (increase in RAM or processing power). |
| Data Consistency | BASE – (Basic Availability, Soft-State, Eventual Consistency); priority for data availability | ACID – (Atomic, Consistent, Isolated, Durable); priority for data safety. |
| Hierarchical Data Storage | Most ideal for storing hierarchical data. | Less favourable for storing hierarchical data. |
| Best Suited for | Social media apps, Real-time interactive apps. | Accounting apps, CRM tools |
| Community Support | Has an active community; up-to-date information is available. | Has an established community; great support from vendors. |
Conclusion
Both NoSQL and SQL are equally relevant and the main criterion for selection will depend on the type of app you are planning to develop. As an experienced app development company, we suggest you choose SQL for transaction-oriented applications and for Big Data applications, go for NoSQL.
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