NoSQL vs SQL: Types and Comparisons
· 3 min read
Why NoSQL is Used Over SQL
NoSQL databases are chosen over traditional SQL (relational) databases in scenarios where:
1. Flexible Schema
- NoSQL allows dynamic, schema-less data structures (e.g., JSON, BSON).
- Useful when data models change frequently or are not well-defined upfront.
2. Scalability
- NoSQL databases are designed for horizontal scaling (adding more servers).
- Ideal for handling large volumes of data and high-traffic applications.
3. Performance
- Optimized for high-speed read/write operations.
- Can handle big data and real-time web apps more efficiently.
4. Handling Unstructured Data
- Supports storage of unstructured, semi-structured, or nested data (e.g., documents, key-value pairs, graphs).
- Suitable for use cases like social media, IoT, and content management.
5. High Availability and Fault Tolerance
- Many NoSQL databases offer built-in replication and distribution.
- Ensures data is always available, even if some nodes fail.
6. Big Data and Real-Time Analytics
- NoSQL is often used for big data analytics, streaming, and real-time processing.