NoSQLvaldkonnast

NoSQL, meaning "Not Only SQL," refers to a broad category of database management systems that differ from traditional relational databases (SQL). Unlike SQL databases which store data in structured tables with predefined schemas, NoSQL databases offer more flexible data models. This flexibility allows them to handle large volumes of unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data more efficiently.

Key characteristics of NoSQL databases include their ability to scale horizontally, meaning they can handle increased load by adding more servers rather than upgrading existing ones. They often provide high availability and fault tolerance, making them suitable for applications requiring continuous operation. NoSQL databases are categorized into several types based on their data models, including key-value stores, document databases, column-family stores, and graph databases. Each type is optimized for different use cases and data access patterns.

The adoption of NoSQL databases has been driven by the needs of modern applications, such as big data processing, real-time web applications, and content management systems. While relational databases remain dominant for many applications, NoSQL offers compelling advantages for specific scenarios where scalability, flexibility, and performance are paramount.