When we talk about the benefits of using a non-relational database management systems, often referred to as a NoSQL databases, we sometimes lose track of what a traditional database is still actually good for (for some background on what a relational database is, see our guide to data terminology).
In a blog post at DBMS2, database veteran Curt Monash explains when it's still best to use a relational database.
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Monash gives the following use-cases as examples of where a relational database is best:
- You're building a low-volume, medium-complexity suite of applications that will evolve over time.
- Your (duplicated) data volumes would be ridiculous if you didn't do a reasonable amount of normalization.
- You simply don't see a cost/benefit advantage to moving away from proven legacy technology.
Monash also gives recommendations of when the it's less clear of whether one should use a relational or non-relational database, and notes that the various next-generation relational databases (which have been called NewSQL) may change the equation in the future.
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