NoSQL Databases
NoSQL Databases
Over the past semester, we learned about a few tools that can assist users in analyzing data. MySQL was the first tool we learned to use. A current topic in data analytics that was not covered in class this semester are NoSQL databases. Although traditional SQL databases are usually relational databases, NoSQL databases are non-relational databases. Unlike traditional databases, NoSQL databases rely on documents, key-value pairs, or wide column stores (Issac). These nontraditional (NoSQL) databases were introduced due to the limitations of scalability in SQL databases.
This topic builds on the topic of relational databases. Through half of the semester, we covered relational databases and used MySQL. It builds on the concepts of a relational database model with its own unique features. With NoSQL not being a relational database, it can process unstructured data with ease compared to a relational database. The detailed example below provides a great look at how NoSQL can be used in the workforce.
A coworker of mine was the leader of implementing NoSQL at his previous job. At his previous job, MongoDB was used to store millions of PDF files. The GridFS API in MongoDB allows for large files to be stored by breaking down the files into smaller and more manageable files that are called “chunks” (Runkel). MongoDB efficiently kept the files in a central location that was easily accessible by the web server and app server. The files each had a key-value which made them easy to find. In the end, MongoDB made it efficient for the files to be stored in a central location.
Works Cited
Henschen, Doug. “Why NoSQL Databases Are Gaining Fans.” InformationWeek. N.p., 07 Oct. 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.
Isaac, Luke P. “SQL vs NoSQL Database Differences Explained with Few Example DB.” SQL vs NoSQL Database Differences Explained with Few Example DB. N.p., 14 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.
Runkel, Jay. “Building MongoDB Applications with Binary Files Using GridFS: Part 2.” MongoDB. N.p., 05 Dec. 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.