Introduction to NoSQL
Databases
NoSQL databases, also known as "not only SQL," are a type of
database system that provides a mechanism for storage and
retrieval of data. Unlike traditional relational database management
systems, NoSQL databases are designed to meet the demands of
modern applications that require large-scale data distribution and
flexible data models. They are recognized for their ability to store
and manage large volumes of unstructured and semi-structured
data, making them a popular choice in various industries.
by Akshay Jadhav
Business Drivers for Adopting NoSQL
Scalability Flexibility Performance
One of the key business NoSQL databases offer Many businesses turn to
drivers for adopting NoSQL flexibility in data modeling, NoSQL solutions for their
databases is their allowing businesses to high-performance
scalability. Traditional adapt to changing data capabilities, enabling faster
databases can struggle to requirements without the response times and
handle large and growing need for complex schema reduced latency in data
datasets, but NoSQL alterations. access.
databases are designed to
scale easily and efficiently.
Scalability and Performance
Advantages of NoSQL
1 Distributed Architecture 2 Horizontal Scaling
NoSQL databases leverage distributed Unlike traditional databases, NoSQL
architecture to ensure data scalability supports horizontal scaling, allowing
and availability across multiple servers businesses to expand storage and
and clusters. processing capacity by adding more
machines to the system.
3 Low Latency 4 Fault Tolerance
NoSQL databases offer low latency data NoSQL databases are designed with
access, providing faster response fault tolerance in mind, ensuring data
times and improved performance for integrity and availability even in the
applications with high throughput event of hardware or network failures.
requirements.
CAP Theorem Explained
Consistency Availability
The CAP Theorem states that it is While traditional databases prioritize
impossible for a distributed data strong consistency, NoSQL
store to simultaneously provide databases often focus on availability,
more than two out of the following ensuring that every request receives
three guarantees: Consistency, a response about whether it
Availability, and Partition tolerance. succeeded or failed.
Partition Tolerance
NoSQL databases are designed to remain operational even in the presence of
network partitions, ensuring that the system can continue to function despite
network failures and communication breakdowns.
Consistency in CAP Theorem
Strong Consistency
1 Traditional databases typically prioritize strong consistency, ensuring
that all nodes in the system have the same data at the same time.
Eventual Consistency
NoSQL databases, on the other hand, often embrace eventual
2
consistency, where data changes are propagated to all nodes over
time, allowing temporary inconsistencies to exist.
Availability in CAP Theorem
99.999% 24/7
High Uptime Continuous Access
NoSQL databases are designed to provide NoSQL databases enable continuous access
extremely high availability, often aiming for at to data and services, ensuring that
least 99.999% uptime to minimize service applications can operate without interruption.
disruptions.
Partition Tolerance in CAP
Theorem
1 Network Failures
NoSQL databases are designed to handle network failures and
communication breakdowns by preserving data availability within the
system.
2 Scalable Architectures
Partition tolerance ensures that NoSQL databases can be scaled
horizontally across multiple nodes without sacrificing data integrity or
availability.
Trade-Offs and Considerations When
Choosing a NoSQL Database
Consistency Model NoSQL databases offer various consistency
models ranging from strong to eventual
consistency, each with its benefits and
trade-offs.
Performance Requirements Considering the specific performance
needs of the application is crucial when
selecting a NoSQL database, as different
databases excel in different performance
areas.
Data Structure The data structure and schema flexibility
provided by NoSQL databases should align
with the requirements for data storage
and access patterns.
