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When and Why to Use NoSQL
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Advantages of NoSQL
- Scalability: Easier to scale horizontally across multiple servers
- Flexibility: Adapt to changing data requirements without migrations
- Performance: Optimized for specific data models and access patterns
- Availability: Many NoSQL solutions prioritize availability in distributed environments
Note: Choosing between SQL and NoSQL isn't always an either/or decision. Many modern applications use both in a polyglot persistence architecture.
Use Cases for NoSQL
| Data Characteristic | Example Scenario | Suitable NoSQL Type |
|---|---|---|
| High volume time-series data | IoT sensor readings | Column-family store |
| Complex relationships | Social network | Graph database |
| Rapidly changing schema | Content management | Document store |
| Simple high-throughput data | Caching layer | Key-value store |
When to Stick with Relational Databases
- When ACID transactions are non-negotiable
- When data relationships are complex and predefined
- When SQL querying capabilities are essential
- For systems with stable, well-defined schemas
Last modified: Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 11:15 AM
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