I’m trying to decide between using a SQL or NoSQL database for my next project. Could someone explain the key differences and when one would be more appropriate than the other?
SQL (Structured Query Language) databases are relational and work with structured data. They use tables with rows and columns, making them a good fit for complex queries and transactions. Examples include MySQL and PostgreSQL.
NoSQL databases are non-relational and store data in a variety of formats (key-value, document, column, graph). They’re great for handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data and are often more scalable. Examples include MongoDB and Cassandra.
Use SQL when you need complex transactions or structured relationships. Use NoSQL for high scalability and flexible schema when dealing with large, dynamic datasets.