Glossary

What is a non-relational database – NoSQL database?

A non-relational database is a database that doesn’t store data in relational tables (rows and columns) and does not offer traditional RDBMS services. Instead, a storage model best suited for the data type is employed. Non-relational databases are more recently referred to as NoSQL databases. There are four different types of NoSQL databases: document-oriented, key-value, wide column and graph.

Non-relational databases are becoming more popular as businesses use a wider variety of data to improve business operations and better understand their customers and their markets. Enterprises find that since important data doesn’t alway fit into a predefined schema, the flexibility of NoSQL better suits their needs.