SQL vs.

NoSQL - Which Database to Choose

in System Design?
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When designing a system, one of the most critical system design choices is
among SQL vs. NoSQL databases can drastically impact your system's overall
performance, scalability, and usual success.
What is SQL Database?
Here are some key features of SQL databases:
• Tabular Data Model: SQL databases organize records into tables
with rows and columns.
• Fixed Schema: SQL databases require a predefined schema, which
means that you must define the structure of the records, specifying
record types and relationships earlier than adding records to the
database. This makes SQL databases suitable for steady information.
• ACID Compliance: SQL databases are commonly ACID-compliant,
which means they make certain records consistency and integrity via
Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability.
• Structured Query Language (SQL): SQL databases use a
standardized query language to control and retrieve facts. SQL is
strong and supports complex queries, making it suitable for
applications requiring statistical analytics and reporting.
• Strong Relationships: SQL databases excel in coping with complex
relationships between facts tables.
Common examples of SQL databases are:
• MySQL: An open-source relational database this is widely utilized in
diverse packages.
• PostgreSQL: A powerful open-source relational database known for
its extensibility and assist for advanced functions.
Where do we use SQL?
• E-commerce / Financial Systems / CMS : Managing structured data,
relationships, and ensuring transactional integrity and use SQL.
• Banking & Inventory Management : Ensures accuracy when
transferring funds or updating inventory.
What is NoSQL Database?
NoSQL databases are designed to handle unstructured or semi-based facts and
provide flexibility, scalability, and performance. Here are some key capabilities
of NoSQL databases:
• Flexible Data Model: NoSQL databases use quite a few statistics
models, along with key-cost pairs, document stores, huge-column
shops, and graph databases.
• Schema-less: NoSQL databases are schema-less, this means that
statistics can be inserted with out a predefined schema.
 • BASE (Basically Available, Soft State, Eventually
Consistent): Instead of ACID compliance, NoSQL databases
frequently comply with the BASE version. BASE prioritizes excessive
availability and performance over strict consistency.
• Proprietary Query Language: NoSQL databases typically have their
very own query languages tailored to their particular statistics
models. These question languages are often more sincere and better
acceptable to the facts structure.
Common examples of NoSQL databases consist of:
• MongoDB: A popular document shop that is flexible and scalable.
• Cassandra: A wide-column shop recognised for its ability to address
huge amounts of information and excessive write throughput.
When do we use NoSQL?
• Social Media & Big Data Platforms : Handling unstructured user-
generated content at scale. Code submissions on GeeksforGeeks
Practice.
• Real-Time Analytics, IoT Applications : High write volume, schema
flexibility, and the need for fast access.
SQL vs. NoSQL - Scalability and Performance
• Vertical Scaling in SQL : SQL databases traditionally scale vertically
by adding more resources to a single server, but this has limitations.
• Horizontal Scaling in NoSQL : NoSQL databases shine in horizontal
scaling, distributing data across multiple servers to handle
increasing loads seamlessly.
• Considerations for High Traffic Systems : The scalability
requirements of your system and the anticipated traffic should guide
your decision on vertical or horizontal scaling.
SQL vs. NoSQL - Query Language and Transactions
• SQL databases use a standardized language for querying data,
making it easier for developers familiar with SQL syntax. NoSQL
databases vary in their query languages, with some using traditional
SQL and others adopting unique approaches.
• The choice between strong ACID transactions (SQL) and eventual
consistency (NoSQL) depends on the importance of data integrity in
your application.
SQL vs. NoSQL - Flexibility and Schema Evolution
• Adapting a SQL database to evolving data requirements may involve
complex schema changes and potential downtime.
• Dynamic schema evolution is supported by NoSQL databases,
enabling developers to adjust to shifting requirements with no
difficulty.
When should you choose SQL database over NoSQL
database in System Design?
SQL databases are appropriate for unique situations, consisting of:
• Complex Queries: If your application requires advanced queries
and complex reporting, SQL databases excel on this location because
of their structured schema and SQL question language.
• Data Integrity: When facts consistency and integrity are paramount,
particularly in financial or regulatory applications, SQL databases
with ACID compliance are the desired preference.
• Transactions: SQL databases are the go-to option for packages that
require support for multi-step, ACID-compliant transactions, like e-
commerce systems.
When should you choose NoSQL database over SQL
database in System Design?
NoSQL databases perform better in certain situations:
• High Scalability: If your machine wishes to handle a large amount of
records and visitors, NoSQL databases provide horizontal scalability,
making them a top desire for net and mobile programs.
• Flexible Schema: When your information structure is dynamic and
may evolve through the years, NoSQL databases with schema-less
designs permit for simpler version.
• Real-time Analytics: For real-time analytics and processing of
streaming facts, NoSQL databases are frequently the favored option
due to their pace and versatility.
Differences between SQL and NoSQL
Below are the important differences between SQL and NoSQL:
Aspect SQL NoSQL

Enforces a structured Embraces a flexible schema,

Data Model and schema with predefined allowing for dynamic and evolving
Schema tables and relationships. data structures.

Traditionally scales Excels in horizontal scaling,

vertically by adding more distributing data across multiple
Scalability and resources to a single servers to handle increasing loads
Performance server. seamlessly.

Query Language Standardized SQL Varied query languages, with some

and language for querying using SQL and others adopting
Transactions data. unique approaches.
 Aspect SQL NoSQL

Dynamic schema evolution allows

Flexibility and Rigid schema may require
for adaptation to changing data
Schema complex changes with
requirements without significant
potential downtime.
Evolution disruption.

Suitable for complex Ideal for applications demanding

transactions, strict data high scalability, handling large
Use Cases and integrity, and well-defined volumes of unstructured data, and
Applications relationships. rapid development cycles.

Maintains data integrity

through ACID Requires denormalization for
Data Integrity transactions. efficient relationship handling, and
and Relationships are well- the level of consistency may vary.
Relationships defined.

Well-established security
Varies in security features, with the
mechanisms, including
Security and need for implementing access
user roles, access controls,
controls to protect sensitive data.
Authentication and encryption.

May involve licensing

Often offers cost-effective solutions
fees, and scaling
Cost with horizontal scaling capabilities
vertically can incur higher
for handling increased workloads.
Considerations infrastructure costs.

Align choice with specific

project requirements, Evaluate team expertise in SQL or
considering data NoSQL, and consider long-term
Decision Factors structures, scalability scalability and adaptability aligned
for System needs, and development with project growth.
Design pace.