MongoDB vs MySQL: What is the difference?

MySQL and MongoDB are two of the most popular and competitive web application database services. Both are database management systems (DBMS) that allow you to extract data and generate reports from a website or application, but they are designed in slightly different ways. MongoDB is a document-based system, whereas MySQL is a legacy table-structured system.

What is MongoDB?

MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database that is used for huge data storage. It first launched in the mid-2000s. It falls into the NoSQL database category.

This DBMS employs dynamic schemas, which allow you to create records without first defining the structure, such as the fields or types and their values.

MongoDB development allows you to modify the structure of records, or documents, by adding new fields or removing existing ones.

What is MySQL?

MYSQL is a well-known and widely used database management system. The name is derived from the name of a girl named My, the daughter of co-founder Michael Widenius. MYSQL’s source code can be found for free under the GNU GPL. Oracle Corporation supports and maintains the project.

It is an RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) that primarily works with relational databases. It simplifies and expands database administration.

In MySQL, you must pre-define your database schema based on your needs and create rules to govern the relationships between fields in your tables.

When Should You Use MongoDB vs. MySQL?

There are significant differences between these two database systems. Choosing which one to use is more of a philosophical decision than a technical one.

MySQL is a mature relational database system that provides experienced IT professionals with a familiar database environment.

MongoDB is a well-known non-relational database system that provides increased flexibility and horizontal scalability at the expense of some relational database safety features, such as referential integrity.

Key differences: MongoDB vs. MySQL

• MongoDB stores data as JSON documents, whereas MySQL stores data as tables and rows.
• You do not need to define the schema in MongoDB, whereas you must define your tables and columns in MySQL.
• MongoDB does not support JOIN operations, whereas MySQL does.
• MongoDB’s query language is JavaScript. On the other hand, MySQL’s query language is Structured Query Language (SQL).
• If you have unstructured and/or structured data with the potential for rapid growth, MongoDB is an excellent choice, whereas MYSQL is an excellent choice if you have structured data and require a traditional relational database.
• If the majority of your services are cloud-based, MongoDB is the best option for you; however, if data security is a priority, MYSQL is the best option for you.

Conclusion

We discussed the main differences between MongoDB and MySQL, a schemaless non-relational database system, and a relational database system, respectively, in this blog. We’ve discussed when one is preferable to the other.

If you think that MongoDB is the right choice for you and want to seek expert advice on MongoDB development service, get in touch with us!