Difference between NoSQL and SQL Databases


Posted On: Jun 05, 2020

Difference between NoSQL and SQL Databases


Here we have list some major Difference between NoSQL and SQL

There are various SQL and NoSQL databases used in today’s world. SQL databases are the conventional type of databases which uses tabular relational model for the representation of data and its relationship. NoSQL is the new type of database. It provides a mechanism for storage and data retrieval other than tabular relations model used in a relational database.

Here is a list of the differences between NoSQL and SQL: -

  • SQL databases are also termed as Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Whereas, NoSQL is termed as Non-Relational Database Management System or Distributed Database Management System.
  • Static or fixed or predefined schema is present in SQL databases. Whereas, a dynamic schema is present in NoSQL databases.
  • Table based data is displayed by the SQL databases. And hence they are known as table based databases. Whereas, data is displayed as the collection of the key-value pair, documents, graph databases or wide column stores in NoSQL.
  • In terms of scalability, SQL databases are vertically scalable. Whereas, NoSQL databases are horizontally scalable.
  • The powerful Structured Query Language is used in SQL databases for the definition and manipulation of data. Whereas, in NoSQL, for the query of data, the collection of documents are used. This type is also known as Unstructured Query Language. It varies from database to database.
  • For complex queries, SQL databases are best suited. Whereas for those complex queries, NoSQL databases are not so good because they are not as powerful as the SQL queries.
  • For hierarchical data storage, SQL databases are not preferred as they are not so effective for such databases. Whereas, NoSQL is best suited for these hierarchical data storage.
  • Some examples of SQL databases are- Oracle, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MS-SQL. Whereas, various examples of NoSQL databases are- MongoDB, BigTable, Redis, RavenDB, Cassandra, HBase, Neo4jCouchDB, etc.


Nowadays, NoSQL is becoming more popular these days in the database landscape. It has a lot of advantages which can be a real game-changer in the present enterprise arena. NoSQL is a relatively new technology as compared to MYSQL without any set of standards. But, after all the comparisons, the choice between NoSQL and MYSQL depends upon the complex business needs of an organization and the amount of data it consumes.

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