Updated May 16, 2023
Difference Between MySQL and NoSQL
MySQL is used in the SQL database management system, a product from Microsoft Corporation. NoSQL is a database type where SQL is necessary to access the document-based contents of non-relational database management systems. Structuring and standardizing the database is essential for a relational database with MySQL. NoSQL allows users to place and operate unformatted and non-related data according to their requirements.
MySQL
- MySQL development project has made its source code available under the GNU General Public License terms and various proprietary agreements. Initially, MySQL was owned and sponsored by a Swedish company called MySQL AB, now owned by Oracle Corporation.
- MySQL exhibits a relational nature by storing data in different tables and establishing relations using primary keys or other keys known as foreign keys.
- MySQL is a fast, easy-to-use relational database utilized by big and small businesses equally well. There are many reasons behind the popularity of relational databases like MySQL. It is a powerful program in its own right, handling a large subset of the functionality of the most expensive and powerful database packages.
- SQL serves as the widely recognized data language and standard form of communication for the MySQL database. It can work on many operating systems and with many languages like C++, PHP, Java, C, etc. One of the critical advantages of MySQL is that it is customizable since an open-source GPL license allows programmers to modify the MySQL software to fit their specific environments.
NoSQL
- The data structure used by the NoSQL database is vastly different from those used in a relational database. Some operations are faster in NoSQL than relational databases like MySQL. The data structures used by NoSQL databases are often considered more flexible and scalable compared to relational databases.
- A primary reason for this different data structure could be driven by the simplicity of design, simpler horizontal scaling to clusters of machines, and more control over availability.
- NoSQL databases are primarily used in big data and real-time web applications. These types of databases surge in popularity in the early twenty-first century. A primary reason for this sudden surge can say to be triggered by companies such as Facebook, Amazon, and Google.
- Most NoSQL databases are driven by eventual consistency, meaning database changes are propagated to all nodes within milliseconds, so data queries might not return updated data immediately, a problem called stale reads. A central concept of the NoSQL database revolves around “document.”
- While every document-oriented database implementation differs in the details of the definition, but they all assume that documents encapsulate and encode data in some standard formats of encodings.
- Documents are addressed in the database via a unique key that represents the document. In addition to the key lookup performed by a key-value store, the database also offered API or a query language that retrieves the documents based on their contents.
Head To Head Comparison Between MySQL and NoSQL (Infographics)
Below is the top 8 difference between MySQL vs NoSQL
Key differences between MySQL vs NoSQL
Both are popular choices in the market; let us discuss some of the major differences:
- MySQL is a relational database that is based on tabular design whereas NoSQL is non-relational in nature with its document-based design.
- MySQL has established a database covering huge IT markets, whereas NoSQL databases are the latest arrival, hence still gaining popularity among big IT giants.
- With its settled market, MySQL database encompasses a huge community, whereas the NoSQL database, with a short span arrival, has a comparatively short community.
- MySQL is not so easily scalable with rigid schema restrictions, whereas NoSQL can be easily scaled with its dynamic schema nature.
- Before creating a database in MySQL, it is necessary to develop a detailed database model. On the other hand, NoSQL database types do not require detailed modeling.
- MySQL is one of the relational database types, whereas NoSQL is more of a design-based database type with examples like MongoDB, Couch DB, etc.
- MySQL provides a large range of reporting tools to aid application validity, but NoSQL databases lack analytical and performance testing reporting tools.
- MySQL being a relational database, is less flexible with its design constraint, whereas NoSQL being non-relational, provides a more flexible design than MySQL.
- MySQL uses a standard query language called SQL, whereas NoSQL-like databases miss a standard query language.
- MySQL, like a relational database, can provide a performance issue for a huge amount of data, hence requiring optimization of queries. In contrast, NoSQL databases like MongoDB are good at performance even with huge datasets.
MySQL vs NoSQL Comparison Table
We will discuss the primary comparison between MySQL and NoSQL below:
| The Basis Of Comparison |
MySQL |
NoSQL |
| Nature | A relational database in nature | A non-relational database in nature |
| Design | Modeled based on the concept of “table.” | Modeled based on the idea of a “document” |
| Scalable | Being relational in nature can be a tough task to scale big data | Easily scalable big data as compared to relational |
| Model | A detailed database model needs to be in place before the creation | No need to develop an exact database model |
| Community | A vast and expert community is available | A community is growing rapidly and smaller as compared to MySQL |
| Standardization | SQL is the standard language | Lack of a standard query language |
| Schema | Schema is rigid | Dynamic schema is a key benefit of NoSQL |
| Flexibility | Not so flexible design-wise, new column or field insertion affects a design. | New columns or fields can be inserted without the existing design |
Conclusion
In MySQL vs. NoSQL, we have seen that NoSQL databases are becoming a significant part of today’s database landscape. These come with multiple advantages such as performance at a big data level, scalability, and flexibility of design. Hence, they can be game changers in the upcoming IT market. Other attributes like lower cost and open source features make NoSQL an appealing option for many companies looking to integrate big data. However, NoSQL is still a young technology without the standards that SQL databases like MySQL offers.
MySQL, however, is still covering a huge chunk of the market since it has a standard SQL language that provides easy access and modification of databases. Being an established database, it has a huge community with well-defined instructions and problem areas sections. Hence, general problems with the MySQL database can be easily resolved with its well-versed community.
As with any significant business decision, IT leaders also need to weigh their options and thus conclude the difference between the features essential to them in the database. Some people may argue that NoSQL is the way to the future, whereas others are concerned with its lack of standardization. The choice depends on the complex business needs of the organization and the volume of data it consumes.
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