A database is a collection of data organized to make it easy to retrieve, update and delete. Databases are used in many aspects of web development, from storing user information to managing content on your site. When planning out your web project, you need to consider what type of database will best suit the needs of your website.
According to TechRadar's "Best Database Software in 2023" list, some of the top database options for web development include MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.[1] Meanwhile, in Appinventiv's "Top 15 Best Database for Web Applications to Use in 2022" list, Oracle is a commercial relational database management system suitable for web development.[2] Ultimately, the best database for web development depends on your specific use case and requirements. From our SYSINT web development experience, we formed a list of the most frequently used databases and their connection with various technologies.
MySQL
MySQL is one of the most popular databases in the world. It is widely used with web technologies such as PHP and JavaScript. MySQL is often used in various CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. MySQL is one of the most common databases in the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack, one of the most popular technology stacks for web development.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a robust, open-source, free database widely used in web development. It provides compliance with ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability), making it reliable and secure. PostgreSQL is often used in technology stacks such as Ruby on Rails and Django.
MongoDB
MongoDB is a non-relational database primarily used to store documents in JSON format. It provides flexibility and scalability, making it the preferred choice for processing large amounts of data. MongoDB is often used in technology stacks such as Node.js and Express.
MS SQL Server
SQL Server is a relational database developed by Microsoft. It is widely used with web technologies such as ASP.NET and PHP. SQL Server is also often used in the Microsoft technology stack, which includes the ASP.NET web framework, the C# programming language, and the Windows operating system.
Oracle
Oracle is a commercial relational database that is widely used in web development. It provides high performance, scalability, and security, making it the preferred choice for large enterprise applications. Oracle is often used with Java and frameworks such as Spring and Hibernate. The choice of database for web development depends on the specific requirements of the project, as well as the preferences and experience of the developer. Each database has strengths and weaknesses; some are better suited for particular use cases than others. Here is a brief overview of each comparison:
MS SQL Server vs. MySQL
Both SQL Server and MySQL are widely used relational databases. SQL Server is a Microsoft product known for scalability, security, and performance. MySQL, on the other hand, is an open-source database known for its ease of use and low cost. MySQL is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized web applications, while SQL Server is better suited for more extensive, enterprise-level applications.
PostgreSQL vs. MongoDB
PostgreSQL is a popular open-source relational database known for its robustness, scalability, and SQL support. MongoDB, on the other hand, is a NoSQL database known for its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. PostgreSQL is a good choice for complex queries and transactions, while MongoDB is better suited for applications requiring high availability and scalability.
Oracle Database vs. IBM Db2
Oracle Database is a widely used relational database known for its scalability, security, and reliability. IBM Db2 is also a relational database known for its scalability and performance. Oracle is a good choice for large, enterprise-level applications, while Db2 is better suited for smaller to medium-sized applications.
Cassandra vs Couchbase
Cassandra is a distributed NoSQL database known for its scalability and high availability. Couchbase is also a distributed NoSQL database known for its performance and ease of use. Cassandra is a good choice for applications requiring high throughput and fault tolerance. Couchbase is better suited for applications requiring real-time data processing and low latency.
Redis vs. Memcached
Redis and Memcached are both in-memory caching systems that are used to improve the performance of web applications. Redis is a more feature-rich caching system that supports a broader range of data structures, while Memcached is more straightforward and faster. Redis is a good choice for applications that require advanced data structures and features, while Memcached is better suited for simple key-value caching.
Amazon RDS vs. Google Cloud SQL
Amazon RDS and Google Cloud SQL are cloud-based managed database services that automatically scale, backup and monitor. Amazon RDS supports many databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, while Google Cloud SQL supports MySQL and PostgreSQL. Both services are suitable for web applications requiring easy scalability and management.
Azure SQL Database vs. Amazon Aurora
Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based managed database service based on SQL Server, while Amazon Aurora is a cloud-based managed database service based on MySQL and PostgreSQL. Azure SQL Database is a good choice for applications that require high availability and scalability, while Amazon Aurora is better suited for applications that require fast performance and low latency.
SQLite vs. MariaDB
SQLite is a lightweight, embedded relational database in many mobile and small web applications. MariaDB is a MySQL fork known for its reliability and performance. SQLite is a good choice for applications that require a simple, embedded database, while MariaDB is better suited for larger web applications.
InfluxDB vs. TimescaleDB
InfluxDB is a time-series database for storing and querying time-stamped data. TimescaleDB is an open-source relational database built on top of PostgreSQL and optimized for time-series data. InfluxDB is a good choice for applications that require high write throughput and real-time analytics, while TimescaleDB is better suited for applications that require complex queries and advanced analytics.
Neo4j vs. ArangoDB
Neo4j is a graph database used for storing and querying graph data. ArangoDB is a multi-model database that supports graph, document, and key-value data. Neo4j is a good choice for applications that require complex graph queries and analysis, while ArangoDB is better suited for applications that require flexible data modeling and multi-model data support. In conclusion, the choice of database for web development depends on the project's specific requirements. SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, Cassandra, Redis, Amazon RDS, Azure SQL Database, SQLite, InfluxDB, and Neo4j are all popular databases used in web development, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. The developer should carefully evaluate the project's requirements and choose the database that best meets those requirements.
Sources:
- https://www.techradar.com/best/best-database-software
- https://appinventiv.com/blog/top-web-app-database-list/
