NoSQL is a database that does not store data in a tabular form, unlike other traditional databases. NoSQL stands for Not only SQL. They were introduced to handle large amounts of data and are capable of effectively storing high user data loads. Depending on their data model, they have different data storage types.
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What Is NoSQL
NoSQL is the term used to describe databases that use non-tabular and non-relational methods to store data unlike, traditional databases. They use different methods to store data. They are gaining popularity because related data in traditional databases need to be split between tables. It was developed as a database method because of the recent dramatic increase in the cost of data storage. Different types of data had to be stored and the need for data applications to store data and retrieve data easily increased. Data application developers found using the database a boon because it gave them the flexibility to store large amounts of data that did not have a unified structure. It also gave them the flexibility to store large amounts of data on public clouds. They could distribute data across a wide range of regions and multiple servers using these databases.
Types
NoSQL comes in four types. Each type can help solve data storage and retrieval problems that cannot be solved by traditional relational databases. Developers solve problems using a combination of types. The types are:
Key-Value Stores
This type of database uses Key-Value pairs. It is the least complicated among NoSQL databases. Key- Values can consist of strings or numbers. Examples of Key-Value databases include Dynamo by Amazon and Riak.
Column Oriented
Traditional tabular databases use rows. These rows are stored together to form a table. This type offers a column-based database. Storage of data on column-based indexes helps to increase lookup speed, reporting and, analytics. Examples include Google BigTable and Cassandra by Facebook.
Document Stores
This database stores actual documents. They make complex calculations and querying easy for developers. Newspapers and magazines use this type of database for easy data storage and retrieval. CouchDB and MongoDb are examples of Document Stores databases.
Graph DataBase
This is the most complex among NoSQL databases. It is used when data that is highly interconnected needs to be stored and retrieved. Capital asset clusters and social networks use graph databases. An example of this type of database is Neo4j.
Uses
NoSQL has given developers flexibility and scalability. Currently, it is used by a wide range of mobile and web applications. These databases help to manage and store large amounts of real-time operational data. Data models do not need prior definition and this allows easy management of all types of content. It allows easy incorporation of user-generated content especially, on social media platforms. Profile management and personalization are made easy because of the large amounts of available data. Mobile applications and the Internet of things require access to a large amount of data and these databases store large amounts of data that can be retrieved by millions of systems and devices at any given time.
Advantages Of NoSQL
NoSQL databases offer low-cost storage and retrieval of large amounts of data. One can store the databases in inexpensive commodity hardware clusters unlike, traditional databases that require expensive proprietary servers and proprietary servers. Scalability is flexible and the low-cost commodity hardware required for storage helps expansion easy and transparent. Managing a large amount of data that is constantly increasing is difficult in traditional database systems. These databases are designed to handle large volumes of data easily. Maintaining a wide range of files that do not have a specific structure is easy. NoSQL databases require less management than traditional database systems that depend on administrators. These databases can easily adapt to change because of their flexible data models that can be combined to suit a wide range of applications. These databases are especially useful when storing data on public clouds.
Disadvantages Of NoSQL
The database system is in its early stages. Developers cannot find the research, support or, information about these databases. Traditional databases are well-researched and support is easy to find. SQL fits a range of requirements while NoSQL can be used only for specific cases. One does not find the same database quality in NoSQL as is found in SQL. It cannot remove duplicate data and the database becomes massive.
NoSQL is slated to be the database of the future. The flexibility offered by the database is suited for futuristic applications including mobile devices, the internet of things and, cloud computing.
