RDBMS versus NoSQL

NoSQL is a tool, and like any tool there are specific use cases where it excels and there are use cases where some other tool would be a better fit. No one would use a screwdriver to pound in a nail; it's possible, but using a hammer would make the job easier. One large problem with NoSQL databases is that people adopt them when an RDBMS would solve the problem just as well, or better.

To understand which tool should be used when, we must understand the strengths and weaknesses of both systems.

The strengths of RDBMS databases

One of the biggest strengths of RDBMSes is their maturity. The technology behind RDBMSes has existed for over 40 years and is based on the solid theory of relational algebra and...