NoSQL databases are non-tabular databases that can manage data storage differently as compared to relational tables. NoSQL database kinds are segmented based on the data model, and some of the most popular types include document, graph, column, and key-value.
Before talking more about NoSQL’s significance, let’s first discuss what NoSQL databases are, its benefits and much more.
What are NoSQL databases?
A NoSQL database, or “Not Only SQL,” is a database type offering improved flexibility and scalability to store and manage huge amounts of data. A NoSQL database doesn’t depend on a fixed schema, thus resulting in a dynamic and agile data modeling.
List of Open-Source NoSQL Databases in 2024
1. Apache Cassandra
Apache Cassandra is a free and open-source performance-yielding database that is fault-tolerant both on commodity hardware or cloud infrastructure. This database can easily manage failed node replacements without any delay Also, it can automatically replicate data across various nodes. Apache Cassandra which initially powered the Facebook index search feature, was released as an open-source project on Google Code.
NoSQL databases are extremely scalable and fault-tolerant and one can add new machines without any sort of disturbance to already running applications. Even one can choose between synchronous and asynchronous replication for each update.
Key Features
- Apache Cassandra was created to run on several nodes of equal significance.
- Apache Cassandra can easily be scaled with less resistance.
- It has its own query language similar to the SQL query language.
- Due to its data replicative ability, Cassandra has a fault-tolerance feature.
2. Apache HBase
Apache HBase is an open-source distributed Hadoop database useful in reading and writing big data. HBase is designed to manage billions of rows and millions of columns with commodity hardware clusters. This database is based on the Big Table, the distributed storage system for managing structured data.
Key Features of Apache HBase
- Apache HBase has several capabilities including scalability, automatic sharding of tables, consistent reading and writing capabilities.
- Nosql databases support against failure for all the servers.
3. MongoDB
MongoDB is an object-oriented, scalable NoSQL database that is based on the NoSQL document store model. This database is capable of storing objects as separate documents within a collection with JSON-like documents. MongoDB is an open-source database model which offers commercial support. MongoDB is now a publicly traded company, having its headquarters in both the United States and Ireland.
Key Features of MongoDB
- MongoDB ensures data analytics are optimized in real-time.
- It can easily manage real-time, constantly changing query patterns.
- MongoDB easily manages replication, resulting in higher availability.
- This database also supports sharding, so sharing larger datasets via multiple distributed collections becomes easy.
4. Neo4j
Neo4j is a graph-based database that can smartly manage not just data but also data relationships. Since Neo4j connects the data while storing it in the database, it can access the data again quite faster as compared to conventional databases.
Designed by Neo4j, Inc., NoSQL databases focus on performance, reliability, and flexibility, making them ideal for building sophisticated, intelligent applications that can seamlessly navigate, manage, and harness connected data structures. Neo4j uses fast and simple Cypher queries to write as it doesn’t have any tables, so there is no need to worry about joins.
Key Features of Neo4j
- This database stores data in a graph format, making it suitable for applications that heavily rely on the relationships between data points.
- It offers a dynamic and intuitive query language which can be tailored for evaluating and managing graph data.
- It results in fast query performance even with deep relational queries.
- This database supports clustering for scalability and high availability, making them perfect for enterprise-level applications.
- It comes with a variety of tools and libraries for application development, including integrations with popular programming languages and frameworks.
5. Apache CouchDB
Apache CouchDB is also an open-source project and a single-node database assisting in storing the data and accessing the same as and when required. CouchDB can also scale up for more demanding projects into a cluster of nodes with several servers and supports the HTTP protocol along with the JSON data format. Apache CouchDB is preferred due to its reliability and crash-resistant structure, which supports “Offline First” applications. Moreover, by using this database, you can always save data and access the same in a state of emergency.
- It stores data as JSON documents, preferable for web applications.
- It prevents data conflicts during concurrent operations.
- This database backs offline-first applications with automatic synchronization.
- Comes with quick integration with other systems via a RESTful interface.
6. OrientDB
OrientDB is an open-source NoSQL database compatible with several models such as graphs, documents, object key/value models, etc. It also lays emphasis on security and reliability, thus making your data safe and secure.
Key Features
- It uses a combination of document, graph, key-value, and object models.
- It is compatible with SQL queries along with graph-based queries.
- Ensures data integrity across various data models.
- It supports horizontal scaling with clustering and replication.
7. Riak
Riak is a distributed NoSQL database offering accurate data. This database is created using several clusters ensuring the safety and security of data even in case of a hardware failure. Riak is designed by including a key/value specification that solves numerous challenges related to tracking user data, copying the data at global locations, storing connected data, etc.
Key Features
- Riak focuses on high availability and fault tolerance.
- Its main features include resiliency, scalability, operational simplicity, complex query support, etc.
- NoSQL database serves both read and write requests, ensuring resilience.
- It automatically replicates data across various nodes.
NoSQL: The Bottom Line
If you are developing applications that can achieve considerable scale, availability, and flexibility, you must choose the right NoSQL database. Whether you want to deploy MongoDB’s flexible schema, Cassandra’s fault tolerance, or Neo4j’s powerful graph queries, choosing the right database can make a huge difference.
At Kodehash Technologies, a leading software development company, we specialize in helping businesses enjoy the full potential of NoSQL databases. The team of expert developers provides complete assistance related to the selection, implementation, and optimization of the best NoSQL solution for your needs.
Call us to learn more about the most suitable NoSQL databases.