Relational vs Non-Relational Databases, a comprehensive comparison

Sergio Sánchez
Javarevisited
Published in
3 min readJan 12, 2024

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In the ever-evolving landscape of database management systems, the choice between relational databases (RDBMS) and non-relational databases (NoSQL) significantly impacts application performance and scalability. This post provides a detailed exploration of both, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses across various dimensions.

Data Model

Relational Databases (RDBMS)

  • Organizing data into tables with predefined schemas fosters data integrity and consistency.
  • While offering robust support for structured data, the rigid schema can become a challenge when dealing with evolving or unstructured data requirements.

Non-Relational Databases (NoSQL)

  • NoSQL databases accommodate diverse data models, adapting to the flexible needs of unstructured and semi-structured data.
  • This versatility allows for seamless integration of changing data structures without the constraints of a predefined schema.

Scalability

Relational Databases (RDBMS)

  • Vertical scaling, achieved through hardware upgrades, is common but may pose limitations in handling extensive…

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Sergio Sánchez
Javarevisited

I am a software engineer passionate about people. My expertise includes developing, leading teams, process improvement and hiring among other skills. #growth