Glossary
NoSQL database
Also called NoSQL.
Definition
A NoSQL database stores data in models other than relational tables, such as documents, key-value pairs, wide columns or graphs, usually for flexibility or scale.
Why it matters when you’re buying
NoSQL databases fit specific access patterns very well and can be awkward for others, such as ad hoc reporting or complex transactions. Choose by how the application reads and writes data, not by the label.
How it relates to other terms
Distributed SQL now covers some of the same scale needs with relational guarantees, and many NoSQL databases have added vector search.
Where to go next
- Databases: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Databases vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.