MySQL vs Cassandra

PB
SystemDesign.us Blog
4 min readJul 26, 2022

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Basic differences between MySQL and Cassandra:

1. Data model: MySQL uses a relational data model, while Cassandra uses a NoSQL (non-relational) data model.

2. Scalability: MySQL is vertically scalable, meaning that it can scale by increasing the resources of a single server. Cassandra is horizontally scalable, meaning that it can scale by adding more servers to the system.

3. Replication: MySQL uses master-slave replication, while Cassandra uses a peer-to-peer replication model.

4. Tolerant to failure: MySQL is not tolerant to failure, while Cassandra is tolerant to failure.

5. License: MySQL is released under the GPL license, while Cassandra is released under the Apache License.

Which companies use MySQL or Cassandra?

MySQL is used by many large companies, including Facebook, Google, Adobe, Alcatel-Lucent, and Zappos. Cassandra is used by Netflix, eBay, Twitter, and Instagram.

Use cases that are most suitable for usage of MySQL or Cassandra:

MySQL is most suitable for use cases that require high availability and data consistency, such as e-commerce applications. Cassandra is most suitable for use cases that require high scalability and performance, such as social media applications.

Advantages of MySQL:

1. MySQL is very easy to use and has a wide range of tools available.

2. MySQL is very fast and efficient.

3. MySQL is very reliable and provides high availability.

4. MySQL is released under the GPL license, which makes it freely available for anyone to use.

Advantages of Cassandra:

1. Cassandra is highly scalable and can handle large amounts of data easily.

2. Cassandra has a peer-to-peer replication model, which makes it more tolerant to failure.

3. Cassandra is released under the Apache License, which makes it freely available for anyone to use.

4. Cassandra has excellent performance and is able to handle high levels of traffic easily.

5. Cassandra is a good choice for applications that require real-time data processing.

Disadvantages of MySQL:

1. MySQL does not scale well horizontally.

2. MySQL is not tolerant to failure.

3. The GPL license of MySQL can be a disadvantage for some companies that do not want to open source their code.

Disadvantages of Cassandra:

1. Cassandra has a steep learning curve and is not as easy to use as MySQL.

2. Cassandra does not support transactions.

3. Cassandra does not have as many tools available as MySQL.

4. The Apache License of Cassandra can be a disadvantage for some companies that do not want to open source their code.

Does MySQL require more engineering effort or Cassandra?

Overall, Cassandra requires more engineering effort than MySQL. Cassandra is not as easy to use as MySQL and has a steeper learning curve. Additionally, Cassandra does not support transactions and does not have as many tools available. However, Cassandra is more scalable and tolerant to failure than MySQL.

If you are looking for an easy-to-use database with a wide range of tools available, then MySQL is the best choice. If you are looking for a database that is highly scalable and tolerant to failure, then Cassandra is the best choice.

How should you scale MySQL?

If you need to scale MySQL, you should do so vertically by increasing the resources of a single server. This will help keep costs down and simplify management. Additionally, if you need high availability, you should use master-slave replication.

How should you scale Cassandra?

Cassandra is designed to be horizontally scalable, so you should add more servers to the system as needed. This will provide better performance and allow Cassandra to handle more traffic easily. Additionally, since Cassandra uses a peer-to-peer replication model, it is more tolerant to failure than MySQL.

Choosing the right database depends on your needs. If you require high availability and data consistency, then MySQL is the best choice. If you need high scalability and performance, then Cassandra is the best choice.

What does it take to switch your database from MySQL to Cassandra and vice versa?

It can be difficult to switch a database from MySQL to Cassandra or vice versa. If you are using MySQL, you will need to export your data into a format that Cassandra can understand. Additionally, you will need to setup a new Cassandra cluster and reconfigure your applications to use the new database. If you are using Cassandra, you will need to export your data into a format that MySQL can understand. Additionally, you will need to setup a new MySQL server and reconfigure your applications to use the new database. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your needs before choosing a database.

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