SQL database refers to the structured databases that organize information that makes searching and making references to the information stored therein very simple and straightforward. They are simple databases that are known to store information in an organized manner and separate the fields of the information getting stored in order to make them much more organized and neat. NoSQL databases are the complete opposite with their structure being unorganized and they usually store the information in blobs and other data structures that generalize the information. These are different means of storing and organizing huge amounts of information and users should be aware of the differences before selecting a database.
To begin with, SQL databases have tables and these tables have rows and columns to represent the information that is stored in them. The rows and columns in the tables also tend to have a primary key which is a unique means of identifying the information and keeping all the records in the database separated from each other. Information systems that depend on SQL databases work much more efficiently and are very effective at the retrieval of information which is the reason they are more in demand and used by developers that are creating applications that will be used locally.
NoSQL databases are mainly used for big data systems and applications in which the data being stored is not structured or organized and cannot be sorted to form a sensible pattern. However, even with the information in the NoSQL database being a mess, queries can still be made on the information and snapshots of the information and the state it is in gleaned from time to time. These databases are more complicated but work rather well with cloud applications and big data systems which are getting more and more relevant on the modern internet.
Information system developers need to make a choice of database whenever they are designing a new application and being able to identify the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases makes much difference in the end result. For instance, the queries being made and the depth to which each of the databases can be searched will have much of an impact on the users. They will be very comfortable with the database that lets them look at the information stored and make references from the relationships that appear to present themselves to the user from the same set of information.
In conclusion, databases come in different sizes and shapes with the capabilities of each of the database types being varied and widely diverse in their design. SQL and NoSQL databases are some of the popular types of database which have varied features and characteristics. As a developer or the designer of an information system, knowing the difference between them can enable you to make better decisions and choice of a database when it comes to building your information system and selecting a database to hold the information which is generated from the system that you are using.
