Navigating the Database Selection Process: Tips and Best Practices

Choosing a suitable database for your project is crucial for the success of your application. Various databases are available, each with its features and advantages. The database selection process can be daunting, but by following some best practices and guidelines, you can ensure that you choose a database that meets your specific needs.

Step 1: Demystifying Database Datatypes

The first step in selecting a database is understanding the type of data your project will handle. There are three main data types: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured.

• Structured data is highly organized and easily searchable. It fits neatly into predefined fields or columns and follows a strict schema. Examples of structured data include financial data, customer records, and transactional data.
• Semi-structured data is less organized than structured data but still has some organization. It has a partial schema and can include some elements of unstructured data. Examples of semi-structured data include JSON, XML, and CSV files.
• Unstructured data has no clear organization and doesn't fit neatly into predefined fields or columns. Examples of unstructured data include images, videos, and text documents.