June 30, 2025
We’re wrapping up our database series with MongoDB — one of the most popular document-oriented NoSQL databases. Unlike relational systems like MySQL and PostgreSQL, MongoDB offers high flexibility, scalability, and performance for working with semi-structured and unstructured data.
What is MongoDB?
MongoDB is a free and open-source (SSPL/Apache 2.0) document-oriented NoSQL database that stores data in a JSON-like format called BSON (Binary JSON). Unlike relational databases that use fixed schemas, MongoDB stores “documents” (analogous to records) with a dynamic schema. This means documents in the same “collection” (similar to a table) can have different sets of fields — giving developers incredible flexibility.
June 29, 2025
We’ve already explored relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite), which are great for structured data and complex queries. Now we move into the world of NoSQL, starting with one of its brightest stars — Redis (Remote Dictionary Server). Redis is an incredibly fast and versatile server often described as a “data structure server on steroids.”
What is Redis?
Redis is a free and open-source (BSD licensed) NoSQL key-value database that stores data in memory (in-memory). Unlike traditional disk-based databases, Redis is designed to deliver maximum data access speed. While it’s a key-value store, Redis stands out because the values can be not only strings but also rich data structures like strings, lists, sets, hashes, sorted sets with scores, bitmaps, and hyperloglogs.
June 28, 2025
We’ve already explored the powerful server-based giants MySQL and PostgreSQL, but the database world is much more diverse. Today, we’re turning to a unique player — SQLite. Unlike its “bigger brothers,” SQLite is not a standalone server but an embedded library that stores the entire database in a single file.
What is SQLite?
SQLite is a free and public domain relational database management system (RDBMS). Its defining feature — and what sets it apart from other DBMSs — is that it does not require a separate server process. SQLite is implemented as a compact C library embedded directly into your application. The database is stored in one or more standard disk files, making deployment and usage incredibly simple.
June 27, 2025
In the previous article, we covered MySQL — a reliable and popular leader in the world of relational databases. Today we turn to its main competitor, often called “the world’s most advanced open-source relational database” — PostgreSQL. Known for its strict SQL compliance, extensive feature set, and remarkable extensibility, PostgreSQL stands out among relational systems.
What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source (BSD-licensed) object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). It began as the POSTGRES project at the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and was renamed PostgreSQL in 1996. Unlike purely relational systems, PostgreSQL incorporates object-oriented concepts, making it more flexible and powerful.
June 26, 2025
Following our overview of database types, it’s time to take a closer look at one of the most well-known and widely used players in the relational world — MySQL. Over the years, MySQL has become the de facto standard for web applications and is an integral part of the famous LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python/Perl).
What is MySQL?
MySQL is a free and open-source (with a commercial version available from Oracle) relational database management system (RDBMS). It was created in the mid-1990s and quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, speed, and reliability — especially for web applications. MySQL stores data in structured tables and uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to perform operations such as creating, reading, updating, and deleting data.
June 25, 2025
In today’s digital world, where every click, purchase, or message generates data, there’s a pressing need for efficient storage, management, and fast access. That’s exactly what database servers are for. They are the invisible but essential foundation of any dynamic application — from simple blogs and e-commerce platforms to complex enterprise systems, financial tools, and AI solutions.
What is a Database (DB) and Why Do You Need One?
A database (DB) is an organized collection of information, structured in a way that makes it easy to access, manage, and update. A database server is a software system that provides access and management services for one or more databases.