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Architecture Matrix

SQL vs NoSQL: Relational vs Document Databases

Comparing relational RDBMS databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) against non-relational document/NoSQL stores (MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra).

Feature & Performance Breakdown

Feature / MetricSQL (Relational)NoSQL (Document/Key-Value)Advantage
SchemaStrict, predefined relational schemaDynamic, flexible, schema-lessTie
ACID TransactionsFull ACID compliance guaranteedOften BASE model (eventual consistency)SQL (Relational)
Horizontal ScalingComplex sharding, vertical scalingBuilt-in automatic sharding & clustersNoSQL (Document/Key-Value)
Complex Queries & JoinsNative powerful relational JOINsLimited joins, requires denormalizationSQL (Relational)

When to Choose SQL (Relational):

  • •E-commerce, billing, banking, and accounting systems
  • •Highly structured data with complex relationships
  • •When ACID guarantees are strictly required

When to Choose NoSQL (Document/Key-Value):

  • •Rapid prototyping with changing schema
  • •Real-time high-velocity big data ingestion
  • •Distributed caching and mobile session stores