Databases are essential in any technology stack, whether it is a large company or a newly created startup. Even companies that don’t have much information to store yet need to choose a database to store their data.

In this sense, non-relational databases have gained a lot of relevance in recent years, and emerged as viable options. Solutions such as MongoDB, Redis and Cassandra, among others, are interesting alternatives for everyday life.

However, if you still don’t quite understand how such a database works, we have prepared a special NoSQL database content for beginners. Understand what it is, the main types and also the DBMS of this technology, and start delving into the subject.

Good reading!

What is a non-relational database?

The non-relational database works completely differently from relational databases. In this model, the table schema is non-existent in favor of a structure of key pairs or simple values ​​— as found in JSON files, for example.

Thus, the usage characteristics of the non-relational database are strictly different from the practical usage. In the non-relational database, it is possible to store more specific information, which gives more freedom and power in the construction of modern systems.

For example, on social networks like Instagram, where photos are linked directly to the user’s profile, the non-relational database is a good storage outlet. In this case, the photo document only needs to be linked to the user who owns the account, not to the user’s entire network of contacts.

And the term NoSQL comes from the absence of the SQL language in data manipulation. For this, programming languages ​​— such as JavaScript — are used for the complete management of information — and this can help a lot in the developer’s productivity, who can also use their working language to access the database.

Also read: Relational and non-relational database: types, characteristics and how to choose.

Types of NoSQL Databases

As we mentioned before, NoSQL databases have their own characteristics when it comes to information management. And the curious thing about this statement is that not everyone works in the same way.

Source: Madyson Reilly

Currently, there are 4 database types that operate on the NoSQL model. Let’s meet them below:

Columns Model NoSQL

Although they are similar to the relational model, the columns type NoSQL does not work with tables in its structure. Here, the information has its own columns, which can be grouped in the same family — but this grouping is not a mandatory item.

The great advantage of the columns model is to provide the management of large volumes of data with simplicity and, above all, speed. For Big Data applications, for example, this characteristic is fundamental.

Graphs Model NoSQL

As the name makes clear, the graph model is characterized by storage in nodes connected by edges — and with unique properties. This provides more speed in complex searches where low latency is required to retrieve information.

Graph-based databases have gained in popularity in recent years, but their learning curve still prevents more companies from using them at the production level.

Key-Value Model NoSQL

The key-value model is one of the most popular types of NoSQL, precisely because of its ease of management and flexibility in its operation. For that, its operation is simple: the data is registered in a key that, in turn, keeps some value.

Thus, to query the data it is only necessary to know the key — also treated as a property — to retrieve the associated value, which can have various formats.

Document Template NoSQL

Finally, we have the document type NoSQL whose main characteristic is the flexibility in data storage. In this model, it is not necessary to have any pre-defined structure, as these are established according to the application’s needs.

The document template can even have groupings of documents. That is, it is possible to nest information of different formats without any kind of bureaucracy or difficulty.

So, it is possible to work with single documents, or even a set of documents, as the application needs.

Top DBMS for NoSQL

Now that you’ve advanced through our NoSQL database beginners guide, let’s understand what the top Database Management Systems for the technology are:

• MongoDB: is possibly the most popular NoSQL DBMS. It operates on the document template and is extremely easy to use. In addition to being cross-platform, MongoDB is completely free, which helps a lot to increase its popularity;

• Redis: When it comes to database key-values, Redis is the strongest name in this regard. Its main characteristic is its speed, very useful for handling a large volume of data in applications with many transactions;

• Cassandra: Currently run by the Apache Foundation, the Cassandra database—which operates in a columnar format—was created by Facebook and made openly available in 2008. Completely free, this NoSQL technology is extremely fast and scalable, which makes it great market option.

• Neo4j: finally, we have Neo4j as the NoSQL DBMS in the most popular graph model on the market, which stands out for its fully scalable data reading and writing speed, ease of learning and use, in addition to its friendly modeling data for the business. In other words, it is an extremely powerful and friendly technology for the development team.

NoSQL Database for Beginners: Learning Doesn’t Stop

The world of non-relational databases is growing around the world, even though it is a very widespread technology among experts. With — relatively — little time on the market, NoSQL has conditions to grow to help the evolution of companies in the area.

So if you are interested in learning more about the relational database, be sure to look for more resources to evolve your knowledge. But for now, keep reading another database article we’ve prepared on our blog: How Relational Database Works: Concept, Functions, Advantages and Disadvantages.