Database for Mobile Applications

Types of Databases for Mobile Applications

.If you are in the process of creating a mobile app and want to know what’s the best type of database for mobile applications, you’ve come to the right place.

Mobile apps have become an integral part of our culture, and you can only become a prominent app developer if your app is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These demanding expectations can be met with a reliable database that provides access to critical information. Databases are crucial to keeping data at the user’s fingertips.

Learn more about your database options for your new mobile app so you can find the perfect solution.

What is a Database?

A database is an organized data storage and retrieval system. It’s used by a mobile application to access the exact information required to perform a feature, service, or function when it is needed.

For example, if you make a profile on a mobile app, the app will classify and save that information with your credentials. You just need to provide those details the next time you wish to log in, and the app will display whatever information is available in the underlying database.

Mainly, there are 4 types of databases. Knowing what these database types are, what they do and what they are used for will help you make the best decision when choosing a database for your mobile application.

1. NoSQL Database

Most other databases can only store information in columns and rows, ending in tables. NoSQL can store information in non-tabular forms depending on the kind of data model. The most often used models are documents, graphs, key values, and broad columns. NoSQL databases like a Cassandra database may be quite helpful when creating an application that will rapidly scale with multiple users across several locations.

If you want to learn more about NoSQL databases, here’s a list of NoSQL databases (only a few of them):

  • Azure Cosmos DB
  • ArangoDB
  • BaseX
  • Clusterpoint
  • Couchbase
  • CouchDB
  • DocumentDB
  • eXist-db
  • IBM Domino
  • MarkLogic
  • MongoDB
  • RavenDB
  • Qizx
  • RethinkDB
  • Elasticsearch
  • OrientDB
  • Azure Cosmos DB
  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Bigtable
  • Cassandra
  • Google Cloud Datastore
  • HBase
  • Hypertable
  • ScyllaDB

2. Relational Databases

As the name indicates, the basis of a relational database is founded on “relationships”. These links are just dependencies between distinct information items displayed in different table formats.

A key and attributes are the two main components of these databases. A key is distinct across all tables and is often the source material on which we want further information. The characteristics are extra data associated with the key. In relational databases, the key can never have duplicate values. This enables the program to swiftly go through each data table and identify the keys together with the pertinent information.

Relational databases examples:

  • Oracle Database
  • MySQL
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • PostgreSQL (free software)
  • IBM Db2
  • Microsoft Access
  • SQLite (free software)
  • MariaDB (free software)
  • Snowflake
  • Microsoft Azure SQL Database
  • Apache Hive (free software)
  • Teradata Vantage

3. Operational Databases

The ability to alter or remove data in real-time is inherent in operational databases. Most other database formats are batch-processed, implying that updates are done only when resources and time permit. But, operational databases may conduct operations in real-time. As a result, they may store consumer data, employee information, and even payroll processing. Use SQL or NoSQL, with the latter being preferable for real-time processes.

4. Data Warehouse

Imagine a company with log files, historical data, and even transactional information stretching back decades. That’s how a data warehouse looks like. Now, a young analyst has has to sift through data and provide insights in a specific context.

This is precisely the type of use case where a data warehouse may help. A data warehouse combines information from numerous sources and provides efficient query and analytical functionality rather than changing or eliminating data. A data warehouse often includes a relational database, native data analysis capabilities, data visualization tools, and customer interface elements to facilitate access to the solution.

Conclusion

Choosing a database might mean the difference between success and failure for your mobile application. I hope this article helps you choose which database fits your app.

Keep in mind that there is no single optimum backend database for a mobile app that will work for all use cases. As a result, consider your consumers’ use case, data structure, and requirements before looking at popularity patterns. Good luck with your venture, and happy coding!

John Negoita

View posts by John Negoita
I'm a Java programmer, been into programming since 1999 and having tons of fun with it.

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