Understanding Databases: SQL vs. NoSQL
As a undergraduate, one of the crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right type of database for your project. Databases store and manage the data that your applications rely on, so understanding the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases is essential. Let's dive into what these terms mean and when to use each type. What is SQL? Structured Query Language is known as SQL. It's the language used to communicate with databases that store information in relational tables. Consider a table with rows and columns, much like a spreadsheet. Relational databases get their name from the fact that each table may be connected to other tables via relationships. Key Features of SQL Databases: Structured Data: SQL databases are ideal for structured data that fits nicely into tables. Schema: They have a fixed schema, meaning the structure of your data (tables, columns, etc.) is defined upfront. ACID Compliance: SQL databases follow ACID prop...