Modeling NoSQL Data
Learn how NoSQL data is modeled using different techniques
We'll cover the following...
Imagine we are building a social media platform.
When a user opens their profile, we want to load their name, bio, recent posts, and the comments on those posts simultaneously. In a traditional relational database, this would require joining several tables—Users, Posts, and Comments—which could be slow and complex.
This is where NoSQL databases come into play, but they require a completely different way of thinking about how we structure our data. In this lesson, we will explore the art and science of modeling data for NoSQL systems, moving beyond the rigid rules of relational schemas to design for flexibility and speed.
By the end of this lesson, we will be able to:
Understand the key differences between relational and NoSQL data modeling.
Explain the concept of denormalization and its important trade-offs.
Learn how to use embedding to model one-to-one and one-to-many relationships.
Learn how to use referencing to model many-to-many relationships.
Apply these modeling techniques to design efficient NoSQL schemas.
A different way of thinking
In the world of relational databases, much of our focus is on normalization—the process of eliminating data redundancy by splitting information across multiple tables and linking them through keys.
This approach ensures data integrity and consistency, two cornerstones of traditional database design. However, NoSQL data modeling takes a very different approach. Instead of prioritizing storage efficiency and strict data integrity, it focuses on application performance and scalability.
The key question shifts from: ...