The topic of where and how to store data arises while developing a software program. In today’s big data world, a basic text file or CSV file is not a good option. The Database Management System (DBMS) provides a solution by allowing several user application applications to access the same database at the same time.
A database management system (DBMS) is a software program that stores, manages, and retrieves data that is simpler, easier, more reliable, faster, secure, and powerful. Databases are classified into two types: relational and non-relational databases. SQL Server is a relational database, and MongoDB is a non-relational database. In this section, we shall compare MongoDB with SQL Server.
What is MongoDB?
MongoDB is an open-source, cross-platform, document-oriented, non-relational database system. MongoDB was created by MongoDB Inc. and originally distributed on February 11, 2009. MongoDB 5.0.5, released on December 6, 2021, is its stable release. It is written in several programming. languages such as JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, C++, C, Ruby, and P
Features of MongoDB
MongoDB’s distinguishing characteristics are as follows:
High Performance
Because of the NoSQL nature of MongoDB, data operations are quick and simple. Data can be swiftly saved, modified, and retrieved without compromising data integrity.
Scalability
Data may be distributed rapidly and evenly over a cluster of machines in the Big Data age. MongoDB’s scalability handles an increasing amount of data. When the size of the data grows, MongoDB uses sharding to horizontally scale it over numerous servers.
Availability
MongoDB produces several copies of the same data and transfers copies of data across different servers, making the data highly accessible. In the event that one server fails, data can be accessed immediately from another server.
Flexibility
MongoDB is easily integrated with several database management systems, including SQL and NoSQL. Because of the document-oriented nature, the MongoDB schema is dynamically changeable, and various types of data may be easily stored and managed.
What is SQL Server?
SQL Server is a database management system (RDBMS). It is also referred to as Microsoft SQL Server or MSSQL. SQL Server was created by Microsoft and first released on April 24, 1989. SQL Server 2019, which was launched on November 4, 2019, is its stable release. MSSQL is written in the C and C++ programming languages.
SQL Server is built around E. F. Codd’s relational paradigm. Data is kept in tables in RDBMS, and linkages between tables are preserved. Data in tables is organised into rows and columns. Each column represents a different field or feature, and each row represents an entry or record.
Microsoft SQL Server comes in several editions, each with its own set of features: Express, Enterprise, Standard, Web, and Developer. The Express edition is freeware for modest and entry-level applications, whilst the other editions are licensed-based editions used for larger projects on commercial levels, depending on the service required. SQL Server recognises XML data types and dynamic management views.
Features of SQL Server
The main features of SQL Server that make it highly usable are:
Cloud Database Support
Microsoft SQL Server offers editions that can be integrated with Microsoft cloud or Azure SQL with built-in security and manageability. Cloud database support makes SQL Server highly available, fast failover with minimum downtime.
SQL Server’s primary characteristics that make it so useful are as follows:
Cloud Database Support
Microsoft SQL Server has editions that can be integrated with Microsoft cloud or Azure SQL and have built-in security and manageability. Cloud database support makes SQL Server highly available, allowing for quick failover with minimal downtime.
Management Ease
Microsoft SQL Servers are compatible with both Windows and Linux platforms. Kubernetes simplifies SQL Server deployment and management.
High Security
SQL Server’s data is encrypted and highly safe. Tables and schemas can be easily password secured and accessed only with authorization.
End-to-End Business Data Solutions
SQL Server is primarily intended for commercial use, and it offers complete business data solutions. Microsoft SQL Server includes capabilities for data administration, ETL solutions, OLAP, and data mining. Option Reporting, Interactive Analysis, and Visual Data Exploration are also available utilising SQL Server BI capabilities.
MongoDB vs SQL Server: Key Differences
The following are the key differences between MongoDB and SQL Server:
| Base of Comparison | MongoDB | SQL Server |
| Created by and First Publication | It was created by MongoDB Inc. and was made available on February 11, 2009. | It was created by the Microsoft Corporation and was made available on April 24, 1989. |
| Database Model | A database not based on relationships: document-oriented (key-value structure) | Format for Tables in a Relational Database |
| Implementation Language | JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, C++, C, Ruby, Perl | C, C++ |
| Licence | Open-Source | Licence required |
| Data Schema | Dynamic Schema | Fixed Schema |
| Query Language | MongoDB Query Language | A SQL Query Language |
| Scalability | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Map Reduce | It supports the MapReduce method. | It does not support the Map-Reduce method. |
| Joins | No | Yes |
| XML support | No | Yes |
Conclusion
MongoDB is a more complex database with dynamic schema features that can handle massive volumes of data. SQL Server is an RDBMS that manages relational databases and provides end-to-end business data solutions. MongoDB is a good alternative for unstructured data. MongoDB is also open source, making it widely available.
Without a doubt, SQL Server has been around for a long time, but with the advent of big data, MongoDB appears to have a promising future. However, this does not imply that SQL Server will be fully abolished. The choice of database between MongoDB and SQL Server is entirely dependent on the user’s requirements.
