What is the difference between MongoDB and MySQL?

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Although MongoDB and MySQL both are free and open source databases, there is a lot of difference between them in the term of data representation, relationship, transaction, querying data, schema design and definition, performance speed, normalization and many more. To compare MySQL with MongoDB is like a comparison between Relational and Non-relational databases.

MongoDB and MySQL are both popular database management systems, but they have some key differences:

  1. Data Model:
    • MongoDB: It is a NoSQL database that uses a document-oriented data model. Data is stored in flexible, JSON-like BSON (Binary JSON) documents, which can vary in structure.
    • MySQL: It is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses a tabular data model with predefined schemas. Data is organized into tables with rows and columns.
  2. Schema:
    • MongoDB: Schema-less, meaning the data in a collection can have different fields and structures. This flexibility is useful for handling evolving data models.
    • MySQL: Schema-based, where tables must adhere to a predefined structure defined by the schema.
  3. Query Language:
    • MongoDB: Uses a rich query language that supports a wide variety of operations, including queries by field, range queries, and the ability to filter data using complex conditions.
    • MySQL: Uses SQL (Structured Query Language), a powerful language for managing and manipulating relational databases.
  4. Scalability:
    • MongoDB: Designed to scale horizontally by adding more servers to the database cluster. It can handle large amounts of unstructured or semi-structured data.
    • MySQL: Primarily scaled vertically by adding more resources (CPU, RAM) to a single server. It is suitable for structured data and traditional relational database applications.
  5. Use Cases:
    • MongoDB: Well-suited for applications with rapidly changing data models, large amounts of data, and where scalability and flexibility are crucial. Commonly used in web applications, content management systems, and real-time big data applications.
    • MySQL: Well-suited for applications with a well-defined schema, structured data, and complex queries. Commonly used in traditional business applications, e-commerce, and data warehousing.
  6. Transactions:
    • MongoDB: Supports transactions in recent versions, allowing for atomic operations on multiple documents within a single transaction.
    • MySQL: Has traditionally supported ACID-compliant transactions, making it suitable for applications that require strict data integrity.
  7. Community and Licensing:
    • MongoDB: Generally open-source, with a strong community edition. Additional enterprise features may require a commercial license.
    • MySQL: Open-source under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Also available with commercial support and additional enterprise features.

Ultimately, the choice between MongoDB and MySQL depends on the specific requirements of the application, the nature of the data, and the scalability needs.