SQL Vs NoSQL: Key Differences Explained

Introduction 

Do you get confused regarding databases as a developer? It is a big decision to pick up a relational or non-relational database. Both systems offer their benefits and also cater to different application needs. 

SQL interacts with relational databases, and NoSQL interacts with non-relational databases. Though SQL and NoSQL can seek data, their structures are diverse based on features. 

You must know the differences between the two to make the right choice. A quick comparison of SQL vs NoSQL will give you a hands-down on how the methods work. 

Overview

Should you choose SQL, or should you choose NoSQL? A relational database like SQL is a viable option, but may not be suitable for big data analysis. That's why big brands like Google rely on NoSQL, which can provide flexibility in features. 

Both SQL and NoSQL have different structures and storage ways. The choice between the two methods depends on your project or database requirements. 

However, the features of the two methods are different, so you must know about them. Let's get an overview of the Differences between SQL and NoSQL databases. Based on the features, you can make the right choice. 

What is SQL?

Structured query language, or SQL is a modern programming language that allows users to manipulate and change data in a relational database. In SQL - you can store the data in tables by creating multiple records. 

The tables are connected using a single or more relation. Following this, you can add, remove, or retrieve data from the rows within the database. You can scale the SQL database vertically, which increases the load by adding components like SSD or RAM. 

In some cases, the database is limited based on resources on the server. MySQL is an example of a relational database management system. 

What is NoSQL?

The SQL vs. NoSQL difference is clear when it comes to data form. NoSQL is a non-relational database that stores data in a way other than tabular. With NoSQL, you can store data based on structured, semi-structured, and unstructured forms. 

Based on the feature, the method follows a flexible structure that accommodates different data types. In addition, NoSQL databases use different query languages. The best part is that you can store the data horizontally as they use multiple loads in the cluster to handle more workload. Simply put, you can optimize the data storage based on your requirements. MongoDB is an example of a non-relational database system. 

Differences Between SQL and NoSQL

Let's understand SQL vs NoSQL based on the features. With comprehensive know-how, you can make the right choice for your project. 

Scalability 

Scalability is the main factor in SQL vs NoSQL performance. You can vertically scale the SQL databases - to increase the load on a single server. 

However, you can't do that with NoSQL. NoSQL database works on horizontal scalability, which allows you to handle more traffic by adding or sharing servers in the database. Simply put, it is similar to adding more floors to the building. 

You can get better results with NoSQL as it can become powerful with increased resources. NoSQL is the first choice for ever-changing datasets. In SQL vs NoSQL scalability feature, NoSQL is a clear winner. 

Language 

SQL databases define and manipulate database structure, which makes it powerful. SQL is a good choice for complex queries. However, it can be restrictive. 

With SQL, you may require predefined schemas to determine data structures before work. Also, all the data must follow a similar structure. NoSQL databases work on a dynamic schema for unstructured data. 

You can store data in many ways, which means it can be graph-oriented, document-oriented, and column-oriented. Simply put, you can create documents without a defined structure. Each document will have a unique structure based on the database. 

Structure 

SQL vs NoSQL - the main difference is in the structure. SQL databases are in tabular form, and NoSQL databases are document, graph, and column-based. SQL database is a better option for apps that require multi-row transactions - such as legacy or accounting systems. 

Example of structured data with rows and columns vs non-structured data:

{

“id”: “101”,

“category”:”food”

“name”:”Apples”,

“qty”:”150″

}

Whereas an unstructured NOSQL DB might save the products in many variations without constraints to change the underlying table structure

Products=[

{

“id”:”101:

“category”:”food”,,

“name”:”California Apples”,

“qty”:”150″

},

{

“id”:”102,

“category”:”electronics”

“name”:”Apple MacBook Air”,

“qty”:”10″,

“specifications”:{

“storage”:”256GB SSD”,

“CPU”:”8 Core”,

“camera”: “1080p FaceTime HD camera”

}

}

]

Support 

When you talk about the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases - support is a vital factor. SQL has good support from the vendors, which makes it easily accessible. 

Independent consultants can help you with SQL databases for large-scale deployments. On the other hand, NoSQL databases rely on community support. Only limited experts are available to set up and deploy large-scale NoSQL. 

Most developers choose SQL because it provides good support in the long run, but it also depends on the deployment of the project. For some, support can be a significant factor for deployment. 

Performance 

Now, regarding the SQL vs NoSQL performance, SQL can lead to large datasets if you compare it with NoSQL. It is handy in tasks where you need to read the data at once. 

Further, in SQL, you will require a schema to be defined before you store or retrieve the data. Following this, SQL databases could take longer time to prep than NoSQL. 

However, SQL is a better choice - if you are dealing with a relational database management system. Also, it helps you build custom dashboards based on your project. Performance-wise, SQL does make a better choice than NoSQL. 

The Positives and Negatives of SQL

SQL is a universally supported language, and it's the first choice for most developers. The language is well-documented and comes with a simple learning curve. 

Besides, it offers simple aggregations over large datasets - such as average calculations. Also, you can set up simple ELT jobs if the input and output are on relational databases. 

Debugging can be a task as it does not provide an error message. In most cases, SQL requires multiple passes over the data, which could affect the performance. In addition, the language syntax can be verbose compared to other programming languages. 

Positives and Negatives of NoSQL

NoSQL works on flexible schema and low-cost infra. Flexible schema makes it easy to add new columns without dealing with other issues like data alternation.  

The language is highly available, which is a plus for most developers. The best part is that it is usable on distributed infrastructure platforms. NoSQL offers a good performance boost when you deal with large data sets.

One drawback of NoSQL is it is tricky to manage and is a less mature technology. Also, it has limited query capabilities, which affects its functioning. In complex scenarios, its data can be inconsistent. At times, developers also report poor language performance. 

When Can You Use SQL?

Despite being old, SQL database is the first choice for most enterprises. The fact that it is old also makes it a lot more mature. As it is a relational database, you can build applications with low-code IDE. 

Better still, you can choose SQL as it is the most popular database among the developer community. Apart from good support, you can expect flexible deployment. 

SQL database is highly performant-based and reliable. If your app requires transactions and you need to perform complex queries, choose SQL. In SQL vs. NoSQL, SQL makes a better choice for most developers. However, your choice of database depends on the project's needs. 

When Can You Use NoSQL?

If you need flexibility without altering the fixed structure, choose NoSQL. You can add new fields or change the database structure without modification. 

This can be advantageous for apps that require evolving data requirements. Also, with large datasets, NoSQL is a good fit. Besides big data, it can help in real-time analytics and high-traffic applications. 

NoSQL database is a better choice for apps with high availability. NoSQL database comes with features like data replication and sharding that ensure data availability. NoSQL is an ideal choice for complex projects. 

How Do You Choose Between the Two?

SQL and NoSQL come with a set of features and advantages. The choice between the two depends on individual circumstances. SQL databases work with a fixed structure and schema design, and they are ideal for multi-row transactions such as legacy and accounting systems. Comparatively, NoSQL databases are simple and flexible to use. 

They are ideal for apps - with no specific schema definitions like real-time analytics and content management systems. In SQL vs. NoSQL, NoSQL is a good choice for new applications. 

Conclusion 

SQL works on relational database management systems, and NoSQL works on non-relational database management. SQL is suitable for complex queries, and NoSQL is unsuitable for complex ones. In addition, SQL is vertically stable, and NoSQL is horizontally stable. You can make your choice based on data, process, and application. 

FAQs 

1.SQL vs. NoSQL which is better?

SQL is better at handling structured data, so it is a better choice for most developers. 

2. What is the difference between MySQL and NoSQL?

MySQL is vertically stable, and NoSQL is horizontally stable. MySQL can handle large amounts of data more efficiently than NoSQL. 

3. Is MongoDB a SQL or NoSQL?

MongoDB is a NoSQL database management program that uses MongoDB query language. 

4. Is NoSQL faster than SQL?

NoSQL is faster than SQL because it has a simple design. Also, it stores data together and not separately. 

5. What is the difference between SQL vs. NoSQL scaling?

SQL relies on vertical scaling, and NoSQL relies on horizontal scaling. You can add more servers or nodes in distributed systems. 

6. What are the four types of NoSQL databases?

The four types of NoSQL databases are column-oriented, graph-based, document-oriented, and key-value pairs. 

7. Can NoSQL replace SQL?

NoSQL cannot replace SQL, but it is an alternative. It depends on individual project needs. 

8. What is a NoSQL example?

MongoDB is an example of NoSQL. It is an open-source NoSQL database management program. 

9. Why is SQL beating NoSQL?

SQL is more popular and established than NoSQL and has more users and developers. 

10. Can I use both SQL and NoSQL?

SQL and NoSQL are two different data sources. However, they are not mutually exclusive. You can integrate the two to leverage their features.