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Intermediate 1 minute
SQL vs NoSQL
SQL and NoSQL are tools with different strengths, not rival labels for good and bad databases. SQL often fits relational data, rich queries, and multi-record transactions. NoSQL can fit flexible records, very large distributed workloads, or simple high-volume access patterns. Start with the data relationships and failure requirements, then choose the simplest store that meets them.
Key idea
Data shape and access pattern matter more than fashion.
See it in one picture
Follow the arrowsRelationsFlexible
Simple to start
TransactionsDistribution
Independent pieces
Real-world example
Payments usually favor relational transactions. A high-volume event stream or user session lookup may favor a distributed key-value or wide-column store. One product can responsibly use both.
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