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What is the difference between a NoSQL database and a traditional database management system?

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A NoSQL database is a database that doesn't use traditional relational database methods. NoSQL databases have different approaches to the storage of information, and often make it easier for complex or distributed systems to access database information.

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In traditional relational databases, data exists in set tables and is accessed by SQL or structured career language commands. By contrast, NoSQL databases are built in a number of different ways, for example, with key/value stores, document storage methods, graph methods, or object store methods. Some of these databases may handle structured query language as a means of retrieving data. Many of them are designed for performance, scalability, flexibility and complexity, but may lack a superior build for immediate data consistency. However, on the whole, the use of NoSQL is increasing, partly because of the use of these tools with big data and real-time Web systems.

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Justin Stoltzfus
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Justin Stoltzfus
Contributor

Justin Stoltzfus is an independent blogger and business consultant assisting a range of businesses in developing media solutions for new campaigns and ongoing operations. He is a graduate of James Madison University.Stoltzfus spent several years as a staffer at the Intelligencer Journal in Lancaster, Penn., before the merger of the city’s two daily newspapers in 2007. He also reported for the twin weekly newspapers in the area, the Ephrata Review and the Lititz Record.More recently, he has cultivated connections with various companies as an independent consultant, writer and trainer, collecting bylines in print and Web publications, and establishing a reputation…