A time-series database is a database that stores and retrieves data records that are part of a “time series.” A time series is a set of data points associated with timestamps, which are used to ascertain how each data point is related to others. There is often an ongoing or streaming data flow as data values are often generated by a device or sensor. A time series database and use cases are vital for various types of data analysis.

Large volumes of time-stamped data can be stored in this database in a format that provides fast insertion and retrieval to support complex analysis of that data.

Examples of time-series database use cases include recording intraday stock prices and Internet of Things (IoT) environments (oil derricks, highway systems, weather data capture) where remote devices continually capture metrics for analysis.