System Design Fundamentals

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SQL vs. NoSQL

As a software engineer preparing for system design interviews, understanding when to use SQL (relational) databases and when to use NoSQL databases is crucial. Both database types have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on your specific use case and requirements.

1. Data Model and Schema

One of the primary factors to consider when selecting a database is the data model and structure of the information you plan to store. Understanding the complexity, diversity, and relationships within the data will help you determine the most appropriate database type.

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The lone Ranger

The lone Ranger

· 2 years ago

2. Scalability

Evaluating your application’s scalability needs, both in terms of data volume and read/write load, is crucial in choosing the right database.

SQL databases: SQL databases are known for their vertical scalability, which means adding more resources (CPU, RAM, storage) to a single server to handle increased workload. This can be suitable for applications with moderate scaling requirements, such as small to medium-sized web applications or internal company tools. However, this approach can be expensive and has limitations as the server's capacity is finite.

NoSQL databases: NoSQL databases provide horizontal scalability, allowing you to distribute data across multiple servers, making it easier to handle large volumes of data or high traffic loads. This is advantage

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